Justlife’s Social Connection project provides support to people moving away from homelessness by helping them to connect with their local communities and build positive social networks and healthy relationships. The Social Connection Project consist of three distinct areas:
Our befriending project provides an opportunity for somebody moving away from homelessness to be matched with one of our trained befriending volunteers. They meet once a week in the community and do an activity of their choice, whether that's going for a walk, trying something new or just going for coffee and a chat.
We try to match people according to their shared interests and hobbies, lived experiences or identities.
We offer a range of well-being, creative and skill-based themed activities and workshops throughout the year which are advertised on our quarterly activities and workshop program.
Our Activities Coordinator, Naomi, consults with people accessing the Social Connection Project to find out what activities and workshops they want us to provide.
We also run a peer support group that meets regularly at a local venue to provide a space for people to talk about their feelings and experiences, share well-being tips and ideas, and support each other in a safe and supportive environment.
The Social Connection project's overall aim is to support people moving away from homelessness to overcoming social barriers, isolation and loneliness.
I love the community activities and the way it feels like a family outing whenever we go somewhere. The group seems to look out for each other and includes everyone, despite our differences. It gives me such a feeling of belonging
Social Connection client
My volunteer helps me talk about my panic attacks, she listens to me, and is understanding, we talk about ideas which might help me.
Social Connection client
Even when individuals find themselves in more secure accommodation, the isolation and social barriers that existed when they were homeless can persist long after they’ve been rehomed.
For those that have been homeless for a long time, adjusting to life in a new home can be challenging, so it’s important to continue supporting them as they acclimatise to a new way of living.
Community-focused, relationship-building projects such as Social Connection decrease the risk of people returning to homelessness by addressing the barriers they face to living a healthy, stable and safe lifestyle. Our outcomes include:
Improved community engagement
Improved wellbeing
Development of a support network
Establishment of meaningful connections and relationships
due to regular contact
while being involved in the project
