You can be surrounded by people and still feel lonely. Formany young people, loneliness is a common but rarely spoken about experience.

In this episode, our hosts talk openly about what lonelinessreally feels like, why it happens, and how connection makes a difference. From personal reflections to practical ideas on finding your people in Adelaide, we’ll explore how to build relationships that support good mental health.

If you’d like to learn more about loneliness and connection, check out these resources:

• https://headspace.org.au/assets/Factsheets/headspace_understanding-loneliness_Fact-Sheet_FA01_DIGI.pdf
• https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/create-connections/

Watch our video podcast now on YouTube or via Spotify, Apple Podcasts or your favourite podcast platform.

This episode was created by Jaime (headspace sessionspodcast content developer), Ally (Senior Community Engagement Officer, headspace Adelaide), Santi (headspace sessions co-host) and Beth (headspace sessions co-host).

To learn more about headspace centres, visit: https://headspace.org.au/ or connect with your local headspace centre on social media.

Led by headspace Adelaide, in partnership with headspaceEdinburgh North, headspace Marion, headspace Onkaparinga and Sonder. The podcast project is brought to you by our centre’s Youth Reference Groups. It is a headspace Adelaide Youth Reference Group initiative.

Produced by Shane (Youth Services Community Engagement Team Leader, Sonder) and Ally (Senior Community Engagement Officer, headspace Adelaide), recorded and edited by Rory at Podbooth Studios, Adelaide.

Recorded on Kaurna Country. Acknowledgment of country voiced by Yanni (Aboriginal Peer Support Worker, headspace Adelaide).

If you or someone you know is in need of crisis or suicideprevention support, please contact:

- Lifeline on 13 11 14 (Australia)

- Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800 (Australia)

Disclaimer: Views and opinions expressed in this podcast arefrom young people and staff involved at Sonder’s headspace centres, or are guests invited to be interviewed. Information provided should not be taken as clinical advice.

Places in Adelaide to find connections:

• Salty Sips: https://www.instagram.com/saltysipsadl/?hl=en
• Park Run: https://www.parkrun.com.au/
• Hobby Club: https://www.instagram.com/hobbyclubadl/?hl=en
• Hot Human Walk: https://www.instagram.com/adelaidehothumanwalk/?hl=en
• Feast Queer Youth Drop In: https://www.facebook.com/feastdropin/
• Saturday Club: https://www.instagram.com/saturdayclubadelaide/
• Climate Volunteering: https://www.aycc.org.au/volunteer
• The Foundry: https://www.facebook.com/thefoundrybysyc/
• SA Youth Forum: https://www.cityofadelaide.com.au/community/programs/youth-week/
• Queer Quest: https://headspace.org.au/headspace-centres/portadelaide/queer-quest-2/
• Neurodivergent Crew: https://www.experienceadelaide.com.au/whats-on/adelaide-neurodivergent-crew-social-get-together/
• Living Youth Reference Group: https://www.unley.sa.gov.au/Community-services/For-young-people/Living-Young-Reference-Group
• Youth Concert Band: https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Community-Recreation/Youth/Music-and-Arts/Youth-Concert-Band
• Smash @Burnside: https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Whats-On/Youth-Events/Smash-Burnside
• Teen Book Club: https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Whats-On/Library-Events/Teen-Book-Club-2025
• The Hangout: https://www.burnside.sa.gov.au/Whats-On/Youth-Events/The-Hangout-Glenunga-Hub
• Volleyball: https://www.unley.sa.gov.au/Events-directory/GCC-25-Goodwood-Volleyball-Association
• MBSL: https://basketballsa.com.au/msbl/