At Little BIG, we’re always exploring what helps people feel more connected, not just socially busy, but genuinely seen, valued and part of something. Loneliness is a deeply human experience, and while it can affect anyone, the good news is there’s growing research showing what actually helps.
A new review of more than 70 studies looked at different ways people have tried to reduce loneliness; from community events to online chats to therapy, and found some clear patterns.
So, what works best? And what can we learn from it here in our own neighbourhoods?
1. Mind Matters: How We Think Shapes How We Connect
The strongest evidence points to psychological approaches, programs that help people change unhelpful thoughts or habits that keep them feeling alone.
These might sound fancy, but they’re really about helping people notice patterns like:
- “No one wants to talk to me”
- “I’ll probably say something silly”
- “I don’t fit in anywhere”
When people learn to challenge those thoughts and practise self-kindness, confidence grows and connection follows.
That’s why conversations, mates chatting to mates, and reflection can be powerful tools.
At Little BIG House, we see this in action every week. From the real conversations at the Men's Supper Club to the support and deep conversations had a the Breastfeeding Group.
It’s the shift in mindset that matters.
2. Social Skills Can Be Learned at Any Age
Another helpful approach is building social and emotional skills, things like listening, empathy, or how to start and maintain friendships.
Programs that include gentle practice (like role-playing or team activities) help people feel more comfortable reaching out to others. Kids tend to learn these skills naturally at school, but adults benefit too. Every time someone new steps into an activity and is warmly welcomed, that’s social learning in motion.
Come along to a Utopia Rising party where every event is a blend of structured activities, thought-provoking exercises, and social interaction. Utopia Rising provides a supportive space where everyone can learn, share, and walk away with tools that can be applied well beyond the event.
3. More Friends Doesn’t Always Mean Less Lonely
The review found that simply adding more social activities helps a little, but not for everyone. Some people who feel lonely already have plenty of contacts, they just don’t feel close to them.
That’s why quality matters more than quantity. A small group where people feel safe to be themselves can have a bigger impact than a large event full of strangers.
At Little BIG we love an event that is 8-12 people. It's where the magic happens and bonds begin to form.
If you're looking some some of small intimate events, check out Book Club, Community Singing Circles or the Artists Way Creative Circle.
4. Support Takes Time
Building meaningful friendships takes time, trust and consistency. Short projects or one-off activities may plant the seed, but lasting change grows through regular contact.
That’s why there are no one-off events at the Little BIG house. Our calendar is packed full of weekly, fortnightly, monthly and seasonal events to give people multiple chances to reconnect, to show up again, and to slowly build confidence and belonging.
Want something regular? Try the free Yoga or X-train classes or join the Organic Buyers Group for a weekly meetup with a purpose.
5. Groups Work Better Than Going It Alone
The review also found that group-based programs often work better than one-on-one approaches. Being part of a group helps people realise they’re not alone in how they feel.
Of course, one-to-one support still has its place, especially when someone is just starting out or needs extra care, but Little BIG is all about the shared, group experience as we see this tends to create the most ripple effects.
6. Face-to-Face Beats Online (But Digital Can Help Too)
In-person connection remains the gold standard. Eye contact, laughter, shared food — these are hard to replicate online. That said, digital tools can still play a role in keeping people connected between events or reaching those who can’t easily attend in person. Many of our programs have a social media page where you can connect after the event.
Tips for Little BIG Hosts
If you’re one of our wonderful Little BIG hosts, here’s how you can put this research into practice:
- Focus on mindset, not just attendance. Encourage gentle conversation and self-confidence, not perfection.
- Create opportunities for real connection. Keep group sizes comfortable, encourage introductions, and notice when someone new walks in.
- Be consistent. Regular events build trust — people are more likely to return once they know what to expect.
- Model openness. Share a little of yourself; vulnerability invites connection.
- Celebrate small wins. Someone showing up for the first time or chatting with a stranger is a huge step.
- Stay patient. Real friendships take time. You might not see the impact right away — but it’s happening.
Tips for new-comers
If you’re considering joining an event, here’s how you can put this research into practice:
- Be kind to your mind. Notice unhelpful thoughts like “no one wants to talk to me” and replace them with gentler ones — “I’m new here, and that’s okay.”
- Take small steps. A smile, a hello, or a short chat is all it takes to start. You don’t need to be confident — just curious.
- Focus on quality, not quantity. One genuine conversation is worth more than lots of surface-level chats.
- Keep showing up. The more often you attend, the more familiar faces you’ll see — and friendships will naturally form.
- Join group activities. It’s easier to connect when you’re doing something together. Try a craft session, yoga class, or board game night.
- Come in person. Online connection is great, but being face-to-face builds deeper trust and belonging.
- Celebrate small wins. Each step, showing up, chatting, or staying a bit longer, is progress worth noticing.
The Bottom Line
Loneliness isn’t just about being alone, it’s about feeling disconnected. The most effective ways to reduce it aren’t quick fixes, but steady, human ones: shared moments, positive thinking, and spaces where people feel safe to belong.
Every time a Little BIG host sets out a table, welcomes a neighbour, or starts a conversation, you’re not just running an event, you’re running an intervention backed by science.
And that’s something truly worth celebrating.