Living Our Best Life Project
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There is strong and growing evidence that loneliness and social isolation significantly impact people’s health and wellbeing. They have been linked to an increased risk of serious and chronic conditions, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes, and depression. The Australian Psychological Society has described loneliness as “Australia’s next public health epidemic”, reflecting its widespread nature and serious consequences.
These issues not only affect individuals emotionally and socially—they also carry a measurable burden on our health system, increasing demand for medical services and reducing overall quality of life.
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Launched in 2025, the projects aims to:​
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Reduce social isolation and loneliness, especially for people not currently engaged or connected
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Activate and link into existing social and community activities
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Strengthen partnerships between NIECH Neighbourhood Houses and the health sector
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Position Neighbourhood Houses as key players in social prescribing and community resilience
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​The Main Components of the Project​​​
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Community Connecting
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People enter the program in two main ways: social prescribing from a GP, social worker etc; and self - referral e.g., through signposting, Talking Cafes or marketing material. They participate formally (through the Community Connector) or informally (through Talking Cafes and/or signposting).
The Community Connector is a volunteer or staff member who will work with the person who has been referred to help them find a social activity that interests them and then help them to participate until they are able to do so on their own.
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Talking Cafes
These are sessions that take place in a café in the general community at regular times (preferably weekly) and hosted by a volunteer. It’s important that the cafes are set up in a public café that is accessible to anyone in the community, not in a Neighbourhood House.
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There are two current Talking Cafes located in the NIECH Network:
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Jolly Miller - 315 Doncaster Rd, Balwyn North
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Wednesdays from 2:30 - 3:30pm commencing January 14th 2026
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Fergusson Plarre - Burwood One Shopping Centre, 210 Burwood Hwy, Burwood
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Thursdays from 2:00 - 3:00pm commencing January 15th 2026​
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You can listen to Talking Cafe participants talk about their experience here.
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Sign Posting​
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This is providing information and potentially some training to people who are in touch with people who may be quite disconnected. This includes library staff, hairdressers, and people providing home care services.
The Living our Best Life Project has proven to be highly impactful, with 90% of participants reporting improved community involvement, and 100% of referring health professionals reporting a valuable increase in optimism and positivity in patients and all saying they would recommend the program to their peers.
For more information, contact Kylie Hughes at projects@niech.org.au or call 0409 806 084.​​​​
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