Social Connection for 18-30s: Research Findings from the Health Research Institute's Connect Up 2617 pilot

In this meet and greet, the Health Research Institute Connect Up 2617 project team will present findings from the Connect Up 2617 report which will be released in March 2026.

The subsequent panel and Q&A will include Community Connectors and volunteers from the pilot, together with representatives from Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) where Connect Up is now at home alongside CRCS’s other social group programs, with a shared focus on connection and belonging across the Capital Region.

About the Report

Belconnen and Bruce have more than twice the number of people aged 18 to 30s compared to the ACT average. Research shows this age group is also amongst the loneliest.

The University of Canberra's Health Research Institute (HRI) pilot project Connect Up 2617 took a whole-of-community, socio-ecological approach to trialling ways for people aged 18-30s to make and strengthen social connections and alleviate loneliness and social isolation. Over 12 months from October 2024 to October 2025, the project team - including a team of young, local Community Connectors from a range of different backgrounds - supported, integrated with or facilitated free local community activities, creating the space, opportunities and support for those aged 18 to 30s to meet new people, make friends and build social connections.

When the project ended in October 2025, over 250 people had attended at least two or more Connect Up 2617 activities ranging from badminton to crocheting, social board games to trivia, with most saying they felt less lonely, more socially connected and had a greater sense of local belonging due to the project. Some 15 participants were also signed up or already in the role of volunteers to support the ongoing delivery of the program