Connection
Is Protection
Our relationships play a vital role in our health and wellbeing. Yet too often, we only seek support when things are already going wrong. We’re calling for a greater focus on relationship skills, early support and prevention.
BETTER MENTAL HEALTH
BETTER
PHYSICAL
HEALTH
LONGER, HEALTHIER LIVES
BETTER BRAIN HEALTH
Because Relationships Are Not a ‘Nice to Have’
When relationships are working well, Australians feel the difference. They report feeling less stressed, emotionally supported, and more confident in their daily lives.
But three relationship gaps are getting in the way: too few people are being taught relationship skills, many are struggling to stay connected, and most wait too long before seeking help.
New Australian Research
In collaboration with YouGov, we asked 1,012 Australians about their relationships and how they affect their mental health and wellbeing.
were taught to handle difficult conversations growing up.
don’t seek help for relationship difficulties.
said something made it harder to connect over the past year.
feel lonely often or very often.
What the Research Tells Us
Relationships are one of the strongest influences on our wellbeing. The findings highlight the value of strong relationships, as well as the pressures that can make it harder to build and maintain them.
Strengthening relationship skills, connection and early support could help more Australians access the benefits that strong relationships provide.
Podcast Coming Soon: Are We Good?
Honest conversations about the relationships we depend on, why they can be difficult and what helps.
Go Deeper
Article.Individuals.Conflict
Why Weren’t We Taught How to Have Tough Conversations?
Only one in three Australians say they were taught how to handle difficult conversations in relationships while growing up. So where do we learn the skills to navigate conflict, listen when we disagree and repair after things go wrong? We explore the relationship lessons we pick up along the way – and why it’s never too late to learn new ones.
Article.Individuals.Mental Health
Why We Wait Until Our Relationships Are in Trouble
Only 9% of people seek help when their relationship first starts to feel strained. So why do we tend to wait? We explore when a rough patch might need more attention, the barriers to seeking support, and why you don’t need to wait for a relationship crisis to get help.
Article.Individuals.Mental Health
How Your Relationships Affect Your Health
Our relationships can affect more than how we feel – they’re closely connected to our physical health, too. We look at what decades of research tell us about social connection, loneliness and relationship stress, and why looking after our relationships can be another way of looking after our health.
Connection Is Protection.
Our relationships are part of how we stay well. Getting support early can make all the difference.
Looking for support with your relationships?
Explore our services and find support that’s right for you.
Want to strengthen your relationships?
Practical information and tools to help build stronger, healthier relationships.
English (UK) 
العربية 
简体中文 
香港中文 
Ελληνικά 
Italiano 
한국어 
ਪੰਜਾਬੀ 
Српски језик 
ไทย 
Tiếng Việt 
Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Email