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Play Your Part - Impact a Lonely Planet
Why the Beyond Loneliness Project?
Loneliness is the sense that we’re lacking the social connections we need. Loneliness is written into the script of life but what is not normal is when we don't respond to loneliness as a signal to reconnect with ourselves (solitude) and others (soul talk). Sadly, loneliness is at an all time high affecting 1 in 3 people and 'Community Connectedness' is at an all time low (Australian Personal Wellbeing Index, 2022).
LIFE CAFE's mission is to promote healthy minds and connected lives through community-based skills training.
The Beyond Loneliness Project aims to combat loneliness through the skills training of Community Connectors to help reduce feelings of isolation and disconnection among community members, build a greater understanding of themselves and others, provide community support and reduce stigma around loneliness and mental health issues.
You can do it... become a Community Connector!
Community Connectors are simply skilled friends who listen without judgment and can move the conversation beyond small talk to soul talk.
Sick of empty, surface-level small talk? Ready to build deeper connections and tackle loneliness head-on?
Loneliness is everywhere but connection starts with you. Make every conversation count. Join like-minded people @ LIFE CAFE and get 10 hours of free skills training to become a Community Connector. Together we can impact a lonely planet by building stronger, more connected communities.
LIFE CAFE – ARTICLE BY EMMA HEIDENREICH 2024
It’s easy to be busy and distracted in our modern world, losing sight of the more important things. Clinical psychologist, author and coordinator of the popular Life Cafe and the Beyond Loneliness Project, Dr Paul Whetham, will introduce his Dash of Life Taster session in Victor Harbor this year.
This free event will see Dr Whetham guide a conversation from small talk to soul talk by focusing on ‘The BIG 5’ life issues - identity, isolation, death, meaning and freedom.
Dr Whetham said the workshop also helps participants outline practical ways to find your 'Why' and boost your wisdom and wellbeing. “After completing the workshop, participants may choose to go on and do the government funded Beyond Loneliness Project,” Dr Whetham said. This enables the participant to become a Community Connector and make an impact in Victor Harbor, through the course.
Dr Whetham’s main goal through the Beyond Loneliness Project is to tackle the growing impact that loneliness is having on communities across the region. “1 in 3 people are lonely and loneliness takes up to 15 years off your life; it’s the equivalent of being a smoker or alcoholic.” Dr Whetham said “This is where the Beyond Loneliness Project and the training of ‘Community Connectors’ comes in!”
Dr Whetham said through the Beyond Loneliness Project, he helps participants to combat loneliness through reducing feelings of isolation and disconnection among community members, build a greater understanding of themselves and others, provide community support and reduce stigma around loneliness and mental health. Dr Paul Whetham has dedicated his career to the study of loneliness, neuroscience and community education.
For more information, visit www.lifecafe.club