Overview
Growing evidence suggests that the impacts of social isolation and loneliness are best mitigated by meaningful human connection.
At Social Health Australia, human connection is the basis for the kind of citizen-led, sub-clinical social-emotional-existential support we’ve been working to make available in a wide range of settings.
Our work draws inspiration from spiritual companioning, re-imagined as trans-theistic, and evolving as a safe, effective way of helping people going through difficult times mediate meaning, hold hope and build resilience.
We are committed to ensuring that this support be made accessible for anyone who may need it, regardless of age, culture, disability, gender identity, or belief system.
” MAN ISN’T DESTROYED BY SUFFERING; HE’S DESTROYED BY SUFFERING WITHOUT MEANING ”
Viktor Frankl
” MAN ISN’T DESTROYED BY SUFFERING; HE’S DESTROYED BY SUFFERING WITHOUT MEANING ”
Viktor Frankl
Our Patron Emeritus
Hugh Mackay (OAM)
Australia’s pre-eminent social researcher, Hugh Mackay has authored 20 books and been awarded five honorary doctorates and an Order of Australia medal. Hugh has also emerged as our country’s leading kindness advocates. His latest book, The Kindness Revolution, makes the case for human decency as the key to solving a wide range of problems impacting us today. Social Health is honoured to have Hugh inform and inspire our work.
Our Executive Team
JOE SEHEE, EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Joe has served a non-religious chaplain and support worker in hospitals, emergency settings and end-of-life contexts. A Peabody Award-winning journalist, Joe is founder of the Green Burial Council (US) and Co-Editor-in-Chief of the newly formed International Journal of Disability Policy and Advocacy. Joe is a PhD student in the School of Communication and Creative Arts at Deakin University where he is exploring the use of companioning as a research practice.
JOHN DAVEY, DIRECTOR
Since its inception, John has served on Social Health Australia’s advisory board, helping craft policies and language, while acting as an organisational ambassador. He brings to the board over 30 years of experience in complaint management/dispute resolution, corporate governance and compliance. Now a disability advocate and sought after public speaker, John regularly facilitates training/reflective practice sessions for Social Health volunteer companions.
ANNIE WHITLOCKE, DIRECTOR
Annie has been supporting people during difficult times for more than four decades. A trained mindfulness teacher, pastoral carer, and death doula, Annie serves as the Palliative Care Coordinator for the Buddhist Council of Victoria. Annie has been a team leader at Social Health Australia since its founding five years ago. When not companioning people, Annie rescues and cares for severely disabled dogs, and more recently, a one-legged finch.
Our Networks
Social Health Australia is a member of:
“Good Death Impact Network” is group of changemakers working together to create good death outcomes.
“Friendship Alliance” is a comprised organisations large and small who are passionate about working on the issues of loneliness and social isolation.
“Ending Loneliness Together” is a national network of members working together to tackle chronic loneliness in Australia.
