Social Connection – What is it and how we can talk about it?
We often engage with communities searching for the “answer” to loneliness, lack of linkages into local neighbourhoods, knowing one’s neighbours and being able to rely on them when needed. We assume that better services, better facilities and community transport will make a difference. We also assume that it is more of a problem in the urban fringe areas as many residents commute long hours to/from their home.
The Activating Social Connection project interviewed residents living in the interface municipalities of Wyndham, Whittlesea and Casey. The initial research conclusions about what are the enablers of social connection, were:
Being part of a cultural/faith community that is large, has a collective culture and meets regularly
Asking someone along to a group or activity
Visiting libraries and community centres/neighbourhood houses (with or without a purpose)
Having an animal (dog) that needs walking or socialising
Spaces that feel safe and welcoming
Meeting over food and food preparation – community events
Being a volunteer or working in a local business or facility
Join a class or educational activity – learn and socialise
How do we utilise this in our work
From a community engagement perspective, maybe we should resist asking generic questions about enablers and focus more on how we can turn these into tangible changes in a local community.
At Conversation Co we use visual aids to help tease out the potential for behaviour change:
Does this space look safe and inviting? What needs to be changed to make this space safe for you to visit at night? Would you walk there or do you feel you would have to drive?
Do you think people like you would meet here? Would you come here if a friend invited you?
Is there a spot to “people watch”? Is there a spot to sit down? Would you join this group if they did (insert activity name)? If someone picked you up and drove you there, would you join this group?
By focusing on actual behaviours, community members find it easier to respond and identify which enablers would make a difference to their lives.
View the Activating Social Connection Research.
Farmer J., De Cotta T., Savic M. (2023). "When you find people like you, you don't have to explain yourself": Experiences of social connection in outer-metropolitan suburbs. Research Briefing 1. Melbourne: Swinburne Social Innovation Research Institute, Swinburne University of Technology.
Working on a community development project? We’d love to hear about it. Reach out to us here or via hello@conversationco.com.au and let’s chat about how we can help bring local communities together.