A Brush with Friendship: Why Staying Connected Matters

Queensland Mental Health Week 2026 runs from 10–18 October, providing an opportunity to talk about mental health and wellbeing, and the things we can all do to support ourselves and each other.

Sometimes, something as simple as an invitation can open the door to something much bigger.

For Shirley, it was an invitation from her neighbour Helena to join Burnie Brae’s Art Group.

Three years ago, after the passing of her husband, Helena noticed that Shirley seemed lonely. She thought the art group might be something Shirley would enjoy, so she invited her along.

Shirley decided to give it a try.

What started with picking up a paintbrush soon became much more than an art class.

“I’ve been coming to art group for a few years now, and it has opened up my whole life socially - it gives me things to do and look forward to.”

More than just an art class

Art might have been what first brought Shirley through the door, but it was the people and sense of connection that kept her coming back.

There’s something special about having somewhere to go each week, familiar faces to see and an activity to enjoy together.

For Shirley, the Art Group has become part of her routine and something she looks forward to.

It has also encouraged her creativity outside of the group.

“I wake up thinking, will I do some gardening today or art?”

Her days now have more possibilities – and that’s something that can make a real difference to how we feel.

Having activities to look forward to, opportunities to meet people and reasons to get out of the house can help create a sense of purpose and belonging.

Connection is good for our wellbeing

During QLD Mental Health Week, Shirley’s story is a timely reminder that looking after our wellbeing isn’t just about what we do on our own.

Connection matters.

As we get older, life can change in all sorts of ways. Retirement, moving house, losing a partner or friend, giving up driving or simply having fewer opportunities to see people can change our social routines.

Sometimes, it can be easy to spend more time at home without realising how much we miss being around other people.

That’s why having places where people can come together, try something new and build friendships can be so important.

And connection doesn’t have to mean joining a huge social group or becoming the most outgoing person in the room.

It might be a weekly art class.

A chat over a coffee.

A dance class where you know a few familiar faces.

An exercise session where you have a laugh with the person next to you.

A day at Club Respite.

Or simply having somewhere to go and something to look forward to.

For Shirley, it was all of these little moments that helped open up a whole new chapter.

From art to exercise

Shirley’s journey hasn’t stopped at the Art Group.

More recently, she joined Healthy Connections, Burnie Brae’s allied health clinic, where she takes part in member exercise sessions.

So, from picking up a paintbrush to getting active at the gym, Shirley continues to find new ways to keep her days interesting, meaningful and full of possibility.

It’s a great example of how trying one new thing can sometimes lead to another.

You might come to Burnie Brae for an art class and discover a new hobby.

You might join an exercise group and make a friend.

You might come along to Club Respite for an outing and find yourself looking forward to the next one.

You never quite know where that first step might lead.

Finding your people at Burnie Brae

Shirley’s story is one of many different ways people can stay active, social and connected at Burnie Brae.

• Our member activities at our Chermside Community Centre offer plenty of opportunities to try something new, including art, singing, games, dance, fitness and social groups.
• Plus our member trips and events give you the chance to explore somewhere new, enjoy a shared experience and meet other members along the way. From day trips and special events to social gatherings and celebrations, there’s always another opportunity to get out and about.
• At Healthy Connections, our Chermside gym isn’t just about exercise. Our member exercise sessions are a chance to get moving, have a chat and enjoy being part of a friendly, social environment.
• Our social support services help people stay connected with their community and continue doing the things that matter to them.
• And Club Respite offers flexible day respite for older people who enjoy socialising, activities and getting out and about, while also giving carers some time to themselves.

Some services may be eligible for aged care funding through Commonwealth Home Support Program and Support at Home

Sometimes, staying connected can even start with a simple coffee and a chat at Burnie Brae.

There are lots of different ways to get involved, and you don’t have to know exactly what you’re looking for before you walk through the door.

It starts with saying yes

Shirley didn’t know what that invitation from Helena would lead to.

She simply said yes to trying something new.

Three years later, she has an art group, new friendships, exercise sessions and plenty of things to look forward to.

Her story is a lovely reminder that connection doesn’t always have to be a big life change.

Sometimes it’s a familiar face saying hello.

Sometimes it’s having something in the diary for next week.

Sometimes it’s learning something new.

And sometimes, it’s simply having somewhere you feel like you belong.

This QLD Mental Health Week, 10–18 October, why not take Shirley’s lead? Try something new, accept an invitation, reconnect with someone or find a group.