"I Like People!"

Let’s be real: pursuing human connection can be hard. It’s deeply worthwhile – but it’s not always easy.

Many of us feel that we’re facing barriers of all shapes and sizes when we try to get more involved in community life. It could be:

• Social anxiety or low confidence
• The (very human!) fear of rejection
• Language barriers
• Physical or mobility challenges
• A lack of transport
• A busy work schedule or family commitments
  

These can feel like mountains to climb, even before we’ve taken the first step. But here’s something we see again and again in the Befriend community:

If you’re willing to try, stay open-hearted, and ask for help along the way – everything else can be worked out.

If you’re yearning for more connection but unsure where to begin, we invite you to watch Tim’s story below.

Tim, who lives in Joondalup, has shaped a rich and meaningful community life. He co-hosts a fortnightly BBQ in the park, volunteers every week with Parkrun, and brings warmth, humour and joy wherever he goes. And he’s done all of this while living with Expressive Aphasia, a condition affecting his ability to communicate in words. Tim also uses a motorised wheelchair to get around.

So, how did he do it?

Like many of us, Tim just needed a bit of encouragement, some creative thinking, and a whole lot of commitment.

Here are six key lessons from his journey:

1. Start with your ‘why’

From the beginning, Tim knew what he was looking for: to feel the warmth of the sun, to be around new people, and to have something in his life that was truly his.

That sense of purpose helped him keep showing up. He tuned in to what gave him joy and energy — being outdoors and surrounded by “people, people, people!” — and used that as his compass to shape his community life.

Try this: What brings you joy and energy? What’s your ‘why’ for wanting more connection?

2. Get creative with what’s possible

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After meeting Community Builder Lee on a local walk, new possibilities began to unfold for Tim. Together, they got curious:

• What community spaces could Tim access easily?
• What kind of contribution would light him up?
• Who might be able to contribute to his ideas?
  

They experimented with different possibilities and eventually, Lee introduced Tim to Garry, another local, to let the community-building sparks fly. Together, they went on to co-host a fortnightly BBQ in the park.

Try this: How could you turn your interests into an opportunity to connect with others? What help might you need to give it a go?

3. Find a way to contribute

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Once the BBQ was up and running, Tim and Lee continued looking for other ways Tim could get involved with community life in ways that aligned with his passions. They discovered Parkrun – a weekly 5K community run that relies on volunteers.

Instead of just attending each week, Tim decided to take on a volunteer role. He scans the barcodes at the finish line, cheers people on, chats to the regulars, and plays an active part in something bigger than himself.

This is a beautiful example of a “friendship formula” we often refer to by Dr. Janet Klees. She says connection is more likely to flourish when we:

• Show up regularly
  

• In a shared community space
  

• With people who have common interests
  

• And take on a valued role for others
  

Try this: Where in your community could you take on a small, meaningful role that puts you in regular contact with others?

4. Recognise what you bring

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Like many of us, Tim probably wasn’t even aware he had special skills or qualities to offer. But others could see it clearly: he’s kind, determined, generous with his time, and deeply committed to showing up.

Those are the very qualities that helped him build a thriving community life.

Too often, we might count ourselves out, or assume that community connection is for people who are experienced or outgoing. Tim’s story reminds us that what really matters is kindness, creativity, and a willingness to try.

Try this: What personal qualities make you a great friend, neighbour, or community member?

5. Surround yourself with a cheersquad

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No one builds a community life alone.

Tim’s journey is filled with people who’ve cheered him on, shown up, shared ideas, and worked alongside him. It’s never about doing it all yourself – it’s about finding people who’ll go on the journey with you!

Try this: Who’s in your corner? Who encourages you, listens to you, or could help you take the next step?

6. Approach inclusion as a creative practice

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At its heart, Tim’s story teaches us this:

Inclusion is about curiosity. It’s a way of being.

It’s playful. Experimental. Collaborative. It asks us to stay curious, try things out, and keep learning.

The truth is, lots of people face barriers to connection. But more often than not, those barriers can be chipped away – especially when we do it together.

Try this: What’s one thing standing in your way of getting more involved in community life? How could you approach it with curiosity instead of judgment?

Want to yarn about your connected life?

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If you – or someone you know – has a dream, an idea, or even just a quiet feeling that you want more, get in touch.

Whether you live with a disability, experience social anxiety, or just haven’t found your people yet, we’re here to walk beside you and figure it out – together.