The trial sessions in Term 3 happen every Tuesday night from 5.30-7.30pm and are a low-pressure way to connect after-hours.

Young people can have a feed, play some pool or share their interests as they get to know each other in a safe and inclusive space.

Every single participant at the first three sessions told Youth Development staff that they had fun, connected with someone and felt included and welcomed. 

The initiative was suggested by young people from the City’s Youth Social Connection Project with the aim of reducing loneliness, which is experienced by  60 per cent of local 18–24-year-olds [ PDF, 5.61 MB] [ PDF, 5.61 MB] .

Over the course of five co-design workshops, participants identified cost, public transport, safety, anxiety and lack of awareness of opportunities as major barriers to connection. 

Connect Club responds directly to what participants asked for - regular, free and welcoming after-hours opportunities to keep connecting.

19-year-old Georgie said she had struggled with social anxiety for many years.

“I felt very proud of myself for coming to the [Youth Social Connection Project] workshops,” Georgie said. 

“I felt really connected to this group and I think I was more surprised by feeling so comfortable with everyone after knowing them for only a few weeks.”

The Youth Social Connection Project brought together young people from 13 different suburbs around Greater Geelong to explore what a more socially connected city could look like. 

While the emphasis was on using creative methods to encourage youth-led ideas, a key outcome from the project was the sense of connection that developed within the co-design groups. 

Substantial improvements were measured across participants’ sense of belonging in Geelong, confidence to take part in activities with other young people, and belief that the City of Greater Geelong takes youth connection seriously. 

The Youth Social Connection Project has created a unique platform to capture insights, while building a healthier, more connected community, genuinely shaped by young people. It is funded through the Geelong Social Inclusion Action Group (SIAG). 

For more information about the trial of Connect Club on Tuesday evenings or the Youth Social Connection Project, contact [email protected]