Creating social connections through Flying Fox Hangouts
Young people playing the drums and looking happy
As part of our 10-year commitment to reducing loneliness, Medibank is proud to stand alongside Flying Fox as an Impact Partner for their Hangouts program, an initiative that champions connection, inclusion, accessibility and belonging.
Loneliness is one of the biggest public health challenges of our time, with Medibank’s 2024 Loneliness Index showing more than half of Australians report feeling lonely in a given week. For people with disability, the risk is of loneliness and social isolation is even greater. Our partnership with Flying Fox is trying to change that.
“Flying Fox creates spaces where young people with and without disability can connect as equals. At every Hangout, you see new friendships forming and genuine belonging being built. Medibank’s support of our Hangouts program has supercharged our mission to tackle social isolation for people with disability. For over 10 years, we’ve been dedicated to infusing fun and connection into the everyday lives of our participants, and with Medibank’s partnership, we’ve been able to amplify this impact at remarkable speed. Together, we’re creating almost-daily opportunities for young people to gather, connect, and experience genuine joy. We’re deeply grateful for Medibank’s commitment to social wellbeing and grateful to work alongside a team so passionate about building inclusive communities." – Giulia Belleflamme, CEO, Flying Fox
Celebrating International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD)
This IDPwD, we’re celebrating our partnership with Flying Fox and the incredible progress made this year through the Hangouts program and the lives being changed through connection.
2025: A year of progress
This year, Hangouts has delivered:
101 events across Melbourne, activities include fitness classes, art workshops, karaoke nights and even puppy yoga and more.
2,695 social connections, including participants, buddies, facilitators and support workers.
4 events each week, having previously delivered 1 event per week.
These aren’t just numbers, they represent friendships formed, confidence built, and true sense of connection and belonging.
“My son started his journey at Flying Fox as a timid and shy person. Today, he’s confident, independent, and has made friends he sees outside of the program. Flying Fox has been a lifeline we didn’t expect but are incredibly grateful for.” – Participant Testimony
“Hangouts is a place for everyone to casually hang out, make new friends, practise social skills and form deep and meaningful connections in an environment that is inclusive and non-judgmental.” – Volunteer Testimony
Looking Ahead
We’ll soon be launching our Accessibility and Inclusion Plan (AIP) 2025–2028. Developed in consultation with our people, our latest AIP reinforces our commitment to diversity and inclusion and supports our bold ambition to be the healthiest workplace in Australia.
