In a world where loneliness is becoming increasingly widespread among people of every age and stage of life, friendship has never been more important.

One in five older Australians, particularly those aged 75 and over, feel lonely, which can have serious impacts on health and wellbeing. International Day of Friendship is a powerful reminder that simply reaching out and connecting with others can make all the difference.

Across AnglicareSA’s programs, services, and locations, there are many heart-warming examples of friendship, and one of those is between Social Activities customers Joyce and Kath.

 

Instant connection

It was an instant connection between Joyce, her husband Doug, and Kath, who all met in 2023 attending a Social Activities outing together.

“It can take me a long time before I start to warm up to strangers,” Joyce said.

“But with Kath, it wasn’t hard to talk to her.”

The three would be transported to every social outing by Social Activities Lead, Tash Burczyk, who said that there was never a shortage of conversation in the car.

“The three of them were quite tight,” Tash said.

“For two years, the three of them always travelled together to social group. Sometimes in my role, I need to find common ground between people to keep the conversation. I never had to do that with Joyce, Doug, and Kath in the car.”

The friendship between Joyce and Kath took on a deeper meaning when Doug passed away earlier this year.

“When Kath heard about Doug’s passing, she was really upset,” Tash said.

“Joyce had asked me to pass on the news to Kath because they were all friends.”

Over the past few months, the pair have supported each other through tough times, with Kath alongside Joyce through grief, while Joyce was beside Kath through health struggles.

“It’s been nice to see them support each other,” Tash said.

While they continue to see each other at regular social outings, the two also talk on the phone and catch up regularly, with Joyce’s son dropping her off at Kath’s house for a social afternoon.

 

The power of friendship

When asked what each of them valued about each other and their friendship, both said it was the ease and comfort they felt around each other talking about a range of topics.

“There are just certain people that you connect with much more easily than with others, and Joyce and Doug are those people,” Kath said. “We just clicked.”

Joyce agreed: “With Kath and me, it is as if we had known each other for a lot longer.”

Tash said the trio had an innate thoughtfulness towards others that made their friendship so genuine.

“They listen to each other talk and are very generous of spirit,” Tash said.

“I can remember when Joyce brought Kath a handbag.”

Joyce remained modest.

“Kath mentioned to me one day that she would like a little bag,” Joyce said.

“I just happened to have this one I had never used and was brand new, so I gave it to her one day. She was over the moon.”

The pair said friendship was a means of support for them.

“It’s just me at home, so sometimes in between appointments and social outings, I don’t see anyone,” Kath said. “Seeing people stimulates my brain.”

“I think everyone needs friendship and company,” Joyce said.

“It’s nice to have people looking out for you.”