Social isolation has been one major topic in 2020. The COVID-19 pandemic has made the world acutely aware of the hardships of isolation, in one form or another.

It has made us all acutely aware of how much we need social connection. However, this community burden has been weighing on many people even before the pandemic. Those in our community who are gripped by loneliness and disconnection often compare their existence to “being invisible”. At times, they are “surprised” by the sound of their own voice, after not having spoken for days.

We have been reaching out to those who are socially isolated for over two decades – lending a listening ear, offering a moment of conversation, weaving a trusted relationship. Over time, our team at Open Support helps individuals gain confidence and build connections with the community.

Meet Stella, Carmen, Ling and Sunny, who are participants in our social isolation programme. They each have a different set of challenges. They each struggle in different ways. They all long for more human connection.

Watch their stories