From today, young adults in Belconnen will have more ways to connect, make friends and feel part of their community. Building on the success of the Health Research Institute (HRI) pilot research project “Connect Up 2617”, Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) is proud to become the new home of “Connect Up“- expanding support, spaces and opportunities for adults aged 18–30s to build meaningful social connections and reduce loneliness.
The research pilot (2024-2025) tested community approaches to strengthening social connection and belonging for young adults in the suburbs of Belconnen and Bruce. International, domestic and local research shows the 18-30 cohort experiences high levels of loneliness and these suburbs comprise over 40% of residents aged 18-30 compared to the ACT average of 16%. The pilot involved partnerships with local venues/businesses, stakeholders, and young, local Community Connectors and volunteers facilitating inclusive, welcoming, regular and affordable activities across arts, crafts, board games, recreational, sports and social interests.
Preliminary results show that Connect Up 2617 resulted in increased social connection and belonging and reduced loneliness among regular participants and produced important lessons for replicable, peer-led approaches for strengthening social connection and belonging in young adults. It also ignited a community of young Canberrans that wanted to see it continue.
“Strengthening social connection and alleviating loneliness is a community challenge, not just an individual one,” said Professor Rachel Davey, HRI Director. “We’re thrilled CRCS sees the value of this approach and will continue to grow ‘Connect Up’ in the wider Belconnen District.”
Mandy Green, CRCS CEO said, "Connect Up is a natural fit with our vision and purpose. It’s about helping young people feel connected and supported, giving them a sense of belonging, and creating more opportunities for engagement and inclusion in community life. We are pleased to continue the great work started by the Health Research Institute and to make sure it grows with the community.”
Project Lead, Associate Professor Barbara Walsh, says that “We took a socio-ecological, systems-based approach, knowing that social disconnection is shaped by broader social, economic, and environmental factors. Connect Up 2617 shows it takes a community to create opportunities for connection”.
CRCS will grow ‘Connect Up’ as part of its offering across the capital region. It will build on the successful model trialled in the research pilot that included innovative approaches to maintain supportive and inclusive environments, partnering with local venues and businesses, and offering a wide variety of activities where people feel supported and included. The HRI will continue as the program’s research partner and conduct the follow up evaluation.
Full findings from the Connect Up 2617 pilot, alongside preliminary outcomes of the pilot’s transition from research to practice at CRCS, will be released in March 2026.
More on Connect Up can be found here: