anglican focus

The news site of the Anglican Church Southern Queensland: nourishing and connecting our faith community

Loneliness

Resources & Research Woman at a bus stop holding up a 50-cent piece Resources & Research

How is your social connection faring with Queensland’s cheap public transport?

“I know of a World War II veteran who caught the bus every morning from his Greenslopes home to the local mall. He passed away about five years ago in his 90s. He was unable to drive and was on a pension, so the Council bus was the only affordable transport for him. He used to initiate conversation with other passengers — some of these folk became friends with him, remembering him on Anzac Day, on his birthday and at Christmas,” says Sarah Marris from Anglicare Southern Queensland’s Mission, Research and Advocacy team

Reflections Eliza at The Hideout specialty coffee shop hands Bishop Jeremy his morning coffee Reflections

Lessons from a benevolent barista

“Two days later I returned. Halfway to the counter, I was greeted by a smiling barista with, ‘Hello, Jeremy! A latte today?’ I realised in that moment that I had found my new favourite café. What a difference it makes when someone remembers your name, welcomes you and makes you feel like you belong,” says Bishop Jeremy Greaves