71%
of people we support say CRCS helps them connect with their community.
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.
Programs Making a Difference
Every program looks a little different, but they all share a common goal – helping people build relationships, confidence and a sense of belonging in the Capital Region.
Living Well Social Groups for 65+
0
% of Involve participants said that CRCS helps them connect with their community
Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing older adults, and Living Well Involve actively works to reduce this. Through weekly social groups, games, excursions and events, older people find new friendships and maintain vital community ties. These gatherings replace isolation with laughter and connection, helping participants feel valued and supported as part of a wider network.
Belconnen Youth Centre
0
% heard about BYC through friends
For many young people, the Belconnen Youth Centre is a “third space” between school and home: a place to relax, share food, play games and find support. Programs like Friday Night Dinners build belonging, trust and friendships that continue outside the Centre.
Playgroups
0
⠀children, parents and carers attended our 195 playgroups this year
CRCS playgroups bring families together, creating friendships, support networks and a sense of belonging. They connect families with CRCS educators and child and family practitioners, supporting children’s learning, wellbeing and positive relationships.
Bungee Arts Resilience
0
% said Bungee helped them make friends
Through Bungee, young people experiencing anxiety, disconnection, or social challenges are supported to build resilience in a safe and creative environment. Creativity becomes a pathway to belonging, where painting, music, and theatre translate into confidence, peer connection, and stronger community ties. What starts as a workshop often becomes a friendship circle.
Bit Bent
0
% come from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds
Bit Bent is a social, diverse community where young people from migrant and multicultural backgrounds feel accepted and celebrated. A third of participants are culturally diverse, and most hear about it through friends – showing how trust, belonging and word of mouth keep this inclusive space growing.
Families Programs
Over⠀
0
⠀families connected with CRCS programs this year
Loneliness is one of the biggest challenges facing older adults, and Living Well Involve actively works to reduce this. Through weekly social groups, games, excursions and events, older people find new friendships and maintain vital community ties. These gatherings replace isolation with laughter and connection, helping participants feel valued and supported as part of a wider network.
Outside School Hours Care
0
⠀children from 130 families supported in 2024–25
Before and after school, our programs give children a place where they feel comfortable, included and cared for. It’s where friendships grow, and where families know their children are happy, safe and supported.
Real People, Real Connections
Connection and belonging aren’t just ideas – they’re experiences we see every day. From older adults finding purpose through friendship to families reconnecting with culture, these stories show how CRCS creates spaces where everyone can feel part of something bigger.
Christine’s Story: Staying Active and Socially Connected
Christine, 77, lives with several health conditions but refuses to let them slow her down. Through Involve, she’s found independence, strength, and friendship in fitness and woodwork.
Reconnecting with Culture and Belonging
When Claire sought support to help her son reconnect with culture, our team linked them with Elders, services and safe spaces. Today, Daniel Demo feels proud, connected and supported.
Creating Community Through Art
A group of spirited eight- and nine-year-old girls discovered the power of friendship through Bungee. With art as their guide, they built stronger connections, empathy and a sense of belonging.
Explore More of Our Impact
Each part of our work is connected. Explore more stories, programs and results from across the Annual Report.