Connection and Belonging
Connection and Belonging is about reducing isolation and creating inclusive spaces where people feel part of community life. CRCS creates opportunities to meet, share experiences, and build supportive relationships that celebrate diversity and strengthen our region.
Creating opportunities and pathways for connection and belonging is a key focus across CRCS. Our services bring people together, support relationships and participation, and help people feel connected through different stages of life.
This is particularly important in the ACT, where 40% of residents meet the criteria for loneliness.¹ Younger adults experience the highest rates,² while living alone, declining health, reduced mobility, dementia and bereavement can increase risks for older people.³
By creating welcoming opportunities to connect and participate, we help strengthen individual wellbeing and community ties.
90%
said CRCS helps connect them with
their community always
94%
of participants said they would
recommend CRCS to their family,
friends and community.
Programs making a difference
Every CRCS program looks a little different, but connection is at the core of what we do.
Across our services, people have opportunities to build relationships, grow their confidence and feel part of their community.
Education and Care
96% of Education and Care participants said CRCS helps them connect to and engage with their community most or all of the time.
Across Early Childhood Centres (ECC) and Outside School Hours Care (OSHC), trusted relationships help children feel safe, support families to build connections and create welcoming communities where everyone can belong.
Living Well
97% of Involve participants said CRCS helps them connect to and engage with their community.
Through Transport, Aged Care and Involve Social Groups, Living Well removes barriers to participation, provides companionship and creates welcoming opportunities for people to maintain relationships, meet others and stay connected to community life.
Child, Youth and Families
371 young people participated in Youth Engagement programs, with 4,018 individual engagements across the year.
Through playgroups, youth programs, family support and wellbeing services, Child, Youth and Families creates welcoming spaces where children, young people and families can share experiences, build relationships and feel connected, included and supported.
Community Development and Connect Up
Results of the research pilot found that almost 90% reported a stronger sense of belonging.
Throughout 2025–26, CRCS Community Development worked with community members, volunteers and partners to create welcoming opportunities for people to connect, participate and feel part of their community.
Real People, Real Impact
Here, we share how CRCS services make a real difference in the lives of participants, families and communities.
Max’s Journey: Finding a Place to Connect
With consistent, flexible support from the CRCS youth team, Max built social connections, strengthened their confidence and began working towards further education and a future in music.
Involve Quilt Project – A Moment in Time
Created by Involve participants, A Moment in Time brings memories, cultures and personal stories together in a vibrant celebration of community connection.
Putting down roots in a new city
through Nature Journalling
After moving to Canberra, Anne found connection and belonging through Nature Journalling, first as a participant and now as a volunteer facilitator.
Explore More of Our Impact
Each part of our work is connected. Explore more stories, programs and results from across the Annual Report.
¹ ACT Legislative Assembly, Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT, 2024, p. 9.
² ACT Legislative Assembly, Inquiry into Loneliness and Social Isolation in the ACT, 2024, p. 10.
³ ACT Government, Submission 34: Loneliness and Social Isolation, 2024, pp. 2–3