01 August 2025
Adelaide-based organisation Spark has received almost $500,000 from the Federal Government to expand its innovative work tackling loneliness on a local scale and fostering stronger, more connected communities.
Launched in the Adelaide Hills in 2024, Spark was co-designed by researchers from the University of South Australia, led by Dr Nadia Corsini, in partnership with The Hut Community Centre and the Adelaide Hills community. The pilot project has quickly gained momentum for its grassroots approach to combating one of the most pressing public health challenges of our time: loneliness.
“In just a short time, Spark has shown how powerful community-led action can be in reducing loneliness,” says Dr Corsini.
“Thanks to additional funding ($496,243) from the National Health and Medical Research Council (NHMRC) we can now strengthen and expand Spark to reach more communities across South Australia, and to continue building the evidence base for what truly inspires and empowers communities to tackle loneliness.
“Our vision is a future where everyone feels a sense of belonging and communities are inclusive, resilient, and compassionate.”
The announcement comes just ahead of Loneliness Awareness Week (4–10 August) hosted by national entity Ending Loneliness Together. This year’s theme – ‘Moments Matter’ – is a timely reminder of the importance of community connection in protecting both health and wellbeing.
Loneliness affects almost one in three Australians, with one in six experiencing severe loneliness.* Chronic loneliness doubles the risk of long-term illness, increases the likelihood of depression and anxiety by over fourfold, and is linked to heart disease, stroke, dementia, and even early death.
In June this year, the World Health Organization declared social disconnection a global public health priority*, citing an estimated 100 loneliness-related deaths every hour worldwide.
Spark’s initiatives respond directly to this crisis, by inviting people to connect in welcoming, low-pressure environments. All initiatives are hosted by their dedicated team of volunteers known as Sparkies.
“Everyone deserves to feel like they belong,” says Dr Corsini. “Loneliness isn’t just a personal issue – it’s a social one. That’s why community-led solutions like Spark are so vital.
“We are grateful for the Women’s Health Research Translation and Impact Network for funding the original project* that allowed us to work with the community and design the solution.”
A video accompanying this release is available here.
Collaborating organisations include the Centre for Health in All Policies Research Translation, Health Translation SA, and the University of Adelaide.
The following organisations will benefit from the grant to expand the Spark project:
Office for Ageing Well - Department of Human Services, The Hut Community Centre, Zest Creative Living Life, Uniting Communities, Community Centres SA, Adelaide Hills Council, Alexandrina Council, Murray Bridge Community Centre, Tall Trees Counselling and Psychotherapy, The Rural City of Murray Bridge, Anglican Community Care Inc, Carers SA, Lutheran Care, Skylight.
Sources:
*State of the Nation Report 2023, Ending Loneliness Together
*Report of the WHO Commission on Social Connection
*Project genesis paper
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Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 434 605 142 E: Candy.Gibson@unisa.edu.au
Researcher contact: Dr Nadia Corsini P: 8302 9989 E: Nadia.Corsini@unisa.edu.au
