Australians and New Zealanders who feel lonely are two times more likely to have a chronic disease, over four times more likely to have depression and experience social anxiety and five times more likely to have poorer wellbeing. Additionally, almost one in four people experience persistent loneliness, most prevalent among 18 to 24 year olds and 45 to 54 year olds.

With these dire physical and emotional impacts from loneliness in mind, it is more important than ever to create spaces for shared connection. And what better place to start than your local leisure centre?

From August 4 -10, Belgravia Leisure and Belgravia Foundation proudly teamed up as Gold Sponsors for Loneliness Awareness Week 2025, a national initiative by Ending Loneliness Together. This year’s theme, “Moments Matter,” shone a spotlight on the experiences of young people aged 16 to 25, but the message was clear for everyone: connection counts.

Belgravia Leisure’s regular Community Network Forums across Australian and New Zealand had already revealed that social connection and loneliness are top concerns in our communities. Armed with this feedback, as well as the support of Loneliness Together, Belgravia Leisure’s Inclusion Coordinators rolled up their sleeves and created spaces, sparked important conversations and hosted events that brought people together in meaningful ways – delivering heartwarming, laughter-filled and sometimes tear-jerking moments.

Here’s a taste of how Belgravia Leisure venues got involved:

• Albany Creek Leisure Centre hosted a magical morning tea in their outside café on August 5 with crafts, crochet creatures and baked goodies. Members shared raw, beautiful stories and asked for a Monthly Meet. Yes, please. 
• MOVE Moonee Valley (Keilor East Leisure Centre, Ascot Vale Leisure Centre and Queens Park Pool) kicked off free winter programs. 
• Burpengary Regional Aquatic Leisure Centre’s Access and Inclusion Officer Karen Bennett led a fully booked meditation and breathwork class. Karen launched Nurture Day Retreats at a private residence in collaboration with the instructor to teach members the skill of emotional regulation. Plus, the venue served up coffee and cake on August 7.  
• Gurri Wanyarra Wellbeing Centre promoted “Bring a friend, swim for free!”, encouraging members or visit pass holders to bring a friend who can swim for free, because swimming is better with company. 
• Bribie Island Aquatic Centre hosted ‘Bring a friend for free’ to an Aqua Aerobics class from August 4 to 9 and a sweet coffee and cake deal. 
• Monbulk Aquatic Centre hosted a Trivia Night on August 8. 
• Yarra Centre hosted a Cupcake Decorating Workshop (yum). 
• WaterMarc launched Gather & Games afternoons: Scrabble, Uno, cards and more. It’s now a regular Wednesday social event for the month of August. 
• Swan Hill Aquatic & Recreation Centre offered free fitness classes, morning walks, puzzles and tea, setting connection in motion. 

The feedback was clear: the community want more. More meetups, more shared stories, more spaces to feel seen and heard. We’re excited to keep the momentum going and turn these moments into long-lasting connections. Because when it comes to loneliness, every moment matters. 

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