Capital Region Community Services (CRCS) is proud to announce that Connect Up has found its new home with us.
Connect Up is a program developed by and for locals to help people aged 18 to 30s who live, work or study in the Belconnen region to meet others and share experiences. It’s a natural fit with our vision and purpose at CRCS — helping young people feel connected and supported, giving them a sense of belonging, and creating more opportunities for engagement and inclusion in community life.
The program also fills an important gap for young adults transitioning from youth services, providing ongoing connection and support beyond the traditional service age limit.
We’re proud to continue the great work started by the Health Research Institute at the University of Canberra, who will remain our valued research partner and continue to lead the evaluation of the program’s impact.
A key part of Connect Up’s success has been the peer-level support provided by Community Connectors and volunteers — locals who help organise activities, set up events, and welcome participants, creating a genuine sense of local connection and belonging.
Our goal is to work alongside participants and volunteers to make each Connect Up activity sustainable in the long term. Any young person aged 18 to 30s in the greater Belconnen region — from Scullin to Holt, Latham to Dunlop — is welcome to join the Connect Up community.
Recent News Stories
Caring for an older loved one is rewarding and important, but everyone needs a break sometimes. Flexible respite, part of the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP), gives carers help so they can rest, recharge, or get things done knowing their loved one is safe and supported by caring, friendly and capable help at home or in the community.
Our Intake Team is often the first point of contact for older community members engaging with CRCS, and they play a vital role in shaping positive, supportive experiences from the very beginning. The team helps participants understand and access the wide range of care, activities and services available through our CRCS Living Well programs.
Have you ever felt like decisions were being made about you, without anyone actually asking you? You’re not alone — and that’s something we want to change.
Connect Up 2617 (now simply Connect Up) began as a 12-month research pilot led by the University of Canberra’s Health Research Institute, supporting 18–30 year olds in Belconnen to build meaningful social connections.
Getting to appointments, social activities or the shops shouldn’t be stressful, and that’s where our Living Well transport service comes in. At CRCS, our transport team is known for being reliable, friendly and genuinely supportive. Many of our drivers become familiar faces, helping you feel comfortable and confident every time you travel with us.