Who we are

Connected AU is an organisation working to reduce isolation and loneliness in at-risk populations. We deliver programs to ensure that vulnerable people can access connection, community and companionship in a safe and monitored way, ensuring everybody in our community stays visible and valued.

Our Letterbox Project caters for people who don't have access or capacity to use technology, and our virtual hobby groups cater for those that are able to 'get online', but want to find a safe, inclusive community. We have a particular focus on supporting senior Australians, people with disabilities, chronic health conditions and those who live alone.

Click here to find out more about The Letterbox Project
Click here to find out more about the Hobby Groups

Our goals

Connected AU has rapidly grown into a national service supporting tens of thousands of people. The impact has been enormous, measurable, and reflective of a need in the community. The need to provide connection, community and companionship to isolated and lonely people in the comfort and safety of their own home.

We fit into the preventative health space, enhancing the mental and physical wellbeing of lonely and isolated people, minimising the social and economic costs associated with the mortality and comorbidity risks of loneliness.

Our goal is to grow Connected AU into a national household name, in the hopes that when anybody is seen as being lonely, or isolated, they can immediately be referred to our programs for connection. We imagine that one day, our project will be on the enrolment forms for every aged care home, and disability home in the country as a 'check box', so that when someone enters and is considered isolated, they can be referred for support.

Our beginnings

Connected AU was founded by lawyer and writer Mea Campbell.

The inspiration for the organisation came to Mea in the initial stages of the Covid-19 Pandemic. Mea was reflecting on her grandfather who had passed away a number of years earlier at the age of ninety-five. She states:

“My grandfather was a firecley independant man, but in his later years he suffered from deafness and blindness and relied on close family for support and connection. This experience would have greatly affected his health and wellbeing, he would have found it extremely distressing. I realised that there would be so many other people around the country facing similar challenges and I wanted to make a difference”.

Connected AU was born out of this concern, with a focus on helping people who might be isolated, vulnerable and lonely. Mea created a safe and secure platform to connect and engage people, and The Letterbox Project became the foundation of this platform.

“The Letterbox Project is so simple in nature, but so meaningful and impactful in action. People from all over the country have resonated with the project, and the momentum and growth has been phenomenal. The Letterbox Project is a free program that anybody in our country can access, it will always remain a free, accessible program for all”

Rapidly, the growth of the organisation surpassed Mea's expectations, and it transformed into a solid organisation filled with purpose, passion and potential.

Founder Mea seated amongst flowers holding a book
The letterbox project, proudly supported by Tetley Tea

Our major supporter, Tetley Tea

We are thrilled to announce Tetley Tea as our major partner for 2021.

Tetley Tea has been bringing warm and comforting tea blends to the world since 1837 when the Tetley Brothers began trading tea in the United Kingdom. Now the second largest manufacturer of tea in the world, with tea enjoyed in around 40 countries. Tetley strives towards creating not only the perfect brew, but also a sustainable environment and better lives for all.

Tetley is one of the founding members of the Ethical Tea Partnership, committed to improve the conditions of farmers growing our tea around the world. Tetley is also part of the Rainforest Alliance, a non-profit organisation that aims at conserving the biodiversity and ensuring a sustainable livelihood.

“The Letterbox Project connects those who might be lonely or isolated, and provides them with a conversation and kinship, something we think is so important and pairs perfectly with a cup of tea. We can't wait to spread the word about this amazing initiative and see what this partnership between Tetley Australia and The Letterbox Project will bring,” Kleanthis Mantzouranis - Senior Brand Manager.

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