People across the Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula are being invited to help shape new community-led solutions to loneliness.
The Spark Project is being launched in Murray Bridge and Goolwa following a successful pilot in Aldgate in the Adelaide Hills.
Led by the University of Adelaide, Spark is being delivered in partnership with local councils and community organisations to better understand loneliness and develop practical ways to strengthen social connection and belonging.
The project grew from The Loneliness Project – a community co-design collaboration between the former University of South Australia and The Hut Community Centre in the Adelaide Hills. During 2024, more than 120 people shared their lived experiences through workshops, interviews and surveys, helping to create the Spark model.
That work has since led to community-led initiatives in the Adelaide Hills, with local volunteers known as “Sparkies” hosting activities designed to bring people together and foster a greater sense of belonging.
Regular meet-ups in the Hills include cafe conversations, hikes in nature, creative workshops and a mateship group designed by men for men.
Now, researchers are looking for people from the Murraylands and Fleurieu Peninsula to help shape the next stage of the project.
Community workshops will be held throughout August at the Murray Bridge Regional Gallery and the Goolwa Aquatic Club. People can also take part through one-on-one conversations with researchers or by completing a survey.
In Murray Bridge, the project is being delivered in partnership with the Rural City of Murray Bridge, ac.care and the Murray Bridge Community Centre. In Goolwa, partners include Alexandrina Council and Skylight Mental Health.
The project’s Research Lead, Associate Professor Nadia Corsini, said Spark focuses on community-led solutions, recognising there is no single cause of loneliness or one solution that works for everyone.
Research has shown approaches such as increasing opportunities for social interaction, strengthening social support, volunteering and neighbourhood-based activities can help reduce loneliness and build stronger communities.
People interested in taking part or learning more about the project can visit sparkconnection.org.au.
