Helping people feel seen, valued and connected.


Connected AU delivers meaningful programs designed to create real connection.

Loneliness is a human experience that we’ve all felt at some point in our lives. Ironically, we’re more connected now than at any other point in human history and yet, so many of us feel alone.

For thousands of Australians, the feeling of loneliness is everpresent. They don’t feel seen, valued or connected to others. And it’s not just a feeling. Loneliness has real and measurable impacts on our health and wellbeing.Together, we all have the power to make a difference in someone else’s life - to help them feel, seen, valued and connected.

Hi there, I'm Mea. Founder of Connected AU, lawyer, writer and mother.

Inspired by my late grandfather and moved to action by the sobering statistics on loneliness in Australia, I launched Connected AU in early 2020.

Connected AU has grown rapidly from our humble beggnings to a purpose-led organisation that is making a real, measurable impact.

While I started this organisation with a mission to support` lonely, isolated and vulnerable people in our community, the overwhelming support for Connected AU demonstrates a greater need for more genuine connection throughout our whole community.

Together with my wonderful team, we deliver programs designed to provide connection, community and companionship.

Loneliness is indiscriminate, everyone feels it as some point in their life, so it was important to us to develop programs for all demographics. Our Letterbox Project is a tangible way to connect for all ages, but we have a particular focus on supporting senior Australians, people with disabilities and chronic health conditions. Our Online Hobby Groups are open for all ages, but were developed to be more inclusive for a younger demographic (18 - 75).

The momentum and growth of Connected AU since launching has surpassed my wildest expectations. And it’s because of people like you, who care enough to take action, that we’re able to make a difference in the lives of tens of thousands of Australians.

Thank you so much for stopping by to learn more about what we do.

Mea

Founder Mea seated amongst flowers holding a book

Our Why

Our why is helping real people. Human connection and making an a genuine impact will always be at the core of our organisation. However, the numbers help to paint a picture of just how many people are impacted by loneliness and isolation in Australia.

There are 250,000 Australians in residential aged care across the country and up to 40% do not get visits. 1 in 8 adults with a disability get less than 30 minutes of daily interaction with another person. 2.5 million Australians are not connected to the internet. There are more than 6,000 young people with disabilities in permanent residential aged care.

Our Vision

Our vision is for Connected AU to play a major role in the preventative health space, helping to minimise the social and economic costs associated with loneliness.

We want to grow Connected AU into a household name. Our hope is that when anybody is seen as being lonely or isolated, they can be referred to our programs for connection. Eventually, we imagine that ConnectedAU programs will be on the enrolment forms for every disability and aged-care service provider around the country. When someone enters a care facility and is considered isolated, they can immediately be referred to ConnectedAU for support.

Founder Mea seated amongst flowers holding a book

our team

Charlotte

Charlotte

Hobby Group Program Manager

View profile

Mea

Mea

Founder of Connected AU

View profile

Morgan

Morgan

Letterbox Project Program Manager

View profile


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.

Read More