Pieces Together Ltd., an ACNC-registered charity and Community Shed based in Fremantle. Our organisation is dedicated to advancing mental wellness and public welfare by addressing the growing ‘loneliness epidemic’ through a unique, inclusive approach to social health.
Our Mission: The Tri-Part Model of Health At Pieces Together, we advocate for a ‘Tri-part Model of Health,’ which establishes social health as an essential third pillar alongside physical and mental well-being. We specifically target the symptoms of Isolation, Withdrawal, and Avoidance (IWA)—often summarised as ‘Hikikomori’ (hee-kee-koh-MOH-ree) —which are primary drivers of poor health outcomes.
Our Methodology: Health by Stealth Unlike clinical settings that can sometimes induce ‘social strain,’ our facility operates on a ‘Health by Stealth’ model. We provide a safe workspace where social connection occurs naturally as a side effect of shared activity.
To achieve this, we utilize the LEGO® System of Building Bricks as our primary tool. This medium offers several distinct therapeutic advantages:
- Shoulder-to-Shoulder Interaction: Collaboration on projects mitigates the pressure of direct face-to-face communication, allowing conversation to flow naturally.
- Low Barrier to Entry: The system is accessible to everyone regardless of skill level, fostering immediate engagement and a sense of belonging.
- Cognitive Stimulation: We employ “Thinkering” (thinking with the hands) and structured roles derived from LEGO-Based Therapy to support executive function and social competence.
Inclusivity and Safety While inspired by the traditional shed movement, Pieces Together has evolved beyond that demographic to be fully inclusive. Our membership is open to all people aged 16 and over, regardless of gender, cultural identity, neurodiversity, or disability. Our operations are guided by the evidence-based CHIME recovery framework (Connectedness, Hope, Identity, Meaning, Empowerment) and strictly adhere to a “Zero Harm” objective to ensure physical and psychological safety.
Collaboration and Social Prescribing We are actively seeking to integrate with the broader health sector by supporting ‘social prescribing’. We offer a non-clinical intervention pathway for health professionals to refer patients experiencing mild depression, anxiety, or loneliness. When professional care is required beyond our scope, we utilise an ‘Ask, Build, Connect’ (A-B-C) approach to facilitate warm referrals to appropriate external services.
We invite you to learn more about how Pieces Together is building connected communities