About us
Inspired by my late grandfather I launched Connected AU in early 2020 and have watched my idea grow rapidly from humble beginnings to a purpose-led business that is making a real, measurable impact.
While I started this business 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.
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.
Hi there, I'm Mea
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.
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 Why
Charlotte is the leading Program Manager at Connected AU, she works with Mea on all of our projects, big and small. She is a mother to three young children and is passionate about delivering high quality services to our members. She thrives on connection, family and making a positive impact in life.
Ali & Katie are our fun, friendly and creative Club hosts. Living in North West NSW, they are neighbours, great friends and business partners who love nothing more than dreaming up ideas and watching them come to life! With backgrounds in journalism, tv production, design, marketing and content creation, its safe to say our clubs are in great hands!
Our team is dedicated, and motivated to operate our programs as fun and impactful programs that make a real difference to peoples lives across Australia.
Our Office is based in Dubbo, western nsw.
Our core values
We are thrilled to welcome Tetley Tea as our major partner for 2021 and 2022. 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.
Our major supporter
“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.
