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Retiree Gaye Martin knows what loneliness looks like.
In her local area in Melbourne's outer northern suburbs — where issues like access to transport and cost-of-living concerns can compound social isolation — the former aged care worker would often call elderly residents at their homes.
Sometimes, she would be their only visitor that week.
"When you go there, they're just so excited," she said.
"Some start crying because they haven't seen anyone for a week … It's just so, you know, it makes you cry, it's so sad."
She said it made her realise loneliness was no small problem — it could happen to anyone, and women were especially vulnerable as they aged.
"They've raised their kids, they've done all of these things … never asked for help from anybody, some of them."
The 72-year-old grandmother was determined not to let that happen to her — and wanted to create an opportunity for others in her community too.