Sydney is Lonely

Lonely Together was created in 2022 by counsellor and author, Tessa Blencowe, with photography captured by Anna Hay.

It was supported by Lendlease, The Salvation Army and Darling Quarter and was exhibited in Sydney for the duration of World Mental Health Month, October, 2022.

Lonely Together was broadcast across varying platforms, including ABC News Breakfast, National ABC Radio and the University of Wollongong.

London is Lonely features 10 stories of people living in London and generated hundreds more from those who visited.

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Our impact in Sydney…

94% of respondents said the exhibition shifted their perception of what loneliness is and who it affects.

88% of respondents said they spoke about loneliness to 1 person or more after the exhibition.

85% of respondents said they were more likely to speak up about their own feeling of loneliness as a result of hearing other people’s stories.

  • "What a journey this was, it lingered long after I left the exhibition as maybe I too am feeling the effects of loneliness. So powerful to have it via audio, like a glimpse into the heart and soul of those who are brave enough to share their story.”

    Damon, visitor of the exhibition

  • "I'm feeling more kinship with strangers because the exhibition was a reminder that we're all going through something. Growing up I always thought loneliness meant 'the absence of people,' but I'm beginning to understand that loneliness comes in so many different forms because of our unique lived experiences.”

    Anonymous, visitor of the exhibition

  • "The exhibition put collective experiences of loneliness on display, which was empowering to know you aren’t going through these feelings alone, especially after Covid. For our family, the exhibition featured our family member who passed away and it was so powerful to hear his voice and see his story brought to so many people. We heard from others who his story touched their own lives and we are so grateful for that legacy to live on. ”

    Carly, visitor of the exhibition

  • "I was deeply moved by the stories. I was drawn out by the vulnerability of those who shared their stories and felt like I had connected with them in ways I did not expect.”

    Anonymous, visitor of the exhibition

  • "I loved this exhibition! The message, the variety of mediums, the creative. A lot of hard work has been put into it and the topic of loneliness is such an important thing that we need to talk about more. I really appreciated the different mediums allowing it to be accessible to anyone. Watching people interact with it and discuss was interesting rather than just walk past. I think it adds value to Sydney's cultural landscape and would love to see more exhibitions like it.”

    James, visitor of the exhibition