Max’s Journey: Finding a Place to Connect
Annual Report 2025 – 2026
For young people experiencing social anxiety, connection cannot be rushed. It begins with feeling safe, accepted and able to participate without judgement.
Max is in their late teens and was experiencing complex mental health challenges and autism. Although they wanted to build social connections, anxiety made engaging with peers difficult.
A supported introduction to CRCS
Max was receiving support through T25, a free, mobile, nurse-led health and wellbeing service operating across Canberra. T25 introduced Max to CRCS Youth Support Practitioners and the Belconnen Youth Centre, providing a bridge into an unfamiliar environment. Max initially played a musical instrument in the quiet room, away from the larger group. Practitioners provided the predictability and consistency they needed, allowing them to become familiar with the centre at their own pace.
Building trust and connection
As Max grew more comfortable, practitioners supported them to interact with other young people in small groups. Gradually, Max began joining groups independently and attending the Youth Centre most days. Practitioners also helped Max develop strategies for managing anxiety and connect with mental health services when their NDIS funding no longer covered specialist appointments. Max then began exploring a return to education. They completed CRCS’s Bridge to Brighter Futures program, helping them identify the support they might need for further study. They later chose to engage in Planned Support for assistance with their NDIS plan and preparation for work experience.
From quiet participation to new possibilities
Max has progressed from playing music alone to independently connecting with other young people. They have strengthened their ability to manage anxiety and continued their education journey at CIT. Max is now working towards music-related study and hopes to complete a placement at the Youth Centre, using music to help other young people connect.
Their journey shows the value of collaboration between T25, CRCS Youth Engagement, Bridge to Brighter Futures, Planned Support, mental health services and CIT, creating a flexible pathway from isolation towards connection, education and future participation.
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