The friendships Belinda has formed through her weekly drumming group have become an important part of her wellbeing.
Every week, Belinda joins a drumming group with a welcoming circle of women at her local community centre. As music, conversation and friendship fill the room, she can be herself, share a laugh and feel a sense of belonging.
This Loneliness Awareness Week (3–9 August), we’re encouraged to ‘make room for connection’ and recognise the important role meaningful relationships and social participation play in supporting our health and wellbeing. For Belinda, finding opportunities to connect with her community has helped her rediscover the outgoing, vibrant person she has always been.
Once a fitness instructor, Belinda, now in her early 60s, has spent years living with chronic pain following an injury. Multiple surgeries, reduced mobility and anxiety made everyday life more difficult and maintaining friendships became increasingly challenging.
“When I’m not feeling good, it can feel like getting out and about is too hard,” she said. “It’s easier to stay home and keep my pain to myself but deep down, I know that makes things worse.”
The friendships Belinda has formed through her weekly drumming group have become an important part of her wellbeing.
Belinda receives support from Centacare through the Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) which helps those who need a little extra support to live independently and participate in their local community, reducing the risk of social isolation.
Recognising that friendship and spending time with others is a big part of who Belinda is, Centacare Service Leader Leanne Ooms encouraged her to try a local drumming group.
Without Centacare’s support, Belinda may never have discovered the group that now means so much to her.
“I look forward to going every week,” said Belinda. “I’ve met such a wonderful group of women. We laugh, we talk and we have fun.”
The friendships Belinda has formed through the group have extended well beyond the drumming circle. “We are going through similar journeys with our health, having friends who understand that there are good days and bad days means so much,” Belinda shares. She now catches up with some of the women independently, enjoying activities like going to the movies, listening to live music and sharing time together.
Belinda’s message this Loneliness Awareness Week is simple. “Don’t be afraid to reach out.”
“I’d encourage anyone who is feeling isolated to take that first step,” Belinda adds. “It can feel hard at first, but you never know where it might lead. You might meet people who become really important in your life.”
Are you eligible for QCSS funding?
Through QCSS, Centacare supports people who are not eligible for the NDIS, Support at Home, or other funding programs to stay connected, participate in their community and maintain their independence.
With your wellbeing in mind, support can include help with everyday tasks, connecting with local services, attending appointments or activities, building confidence to take part in community life and accessing opportunities to meet others and form meaningful connections.
If you’re under 65 years old (or under 50 years old for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people) and not eligible for the NDIS, you may be eligible for Queensland Community Support Scheme (QCSS) funding. Contact Centacare to find out more.