Infrastructure for social connection: researching the existing assets for creating social connectedness and identifying interventions

Social connection is a critical outcome of community-based planning and activity given its ability to positively affect health and wellbeing at the individual and community level. Within communities, people, places, activities and connections are key components in building an infrastructure to maximise the benefits of connection. This report informs a deeper understanding of key foundations, assets and optimal conditions for social connection within communities from a strengths-based perspective. Specifically, it focuses on social and structural resources of the community, and how they develop a platform to enhance connection outcomes. Project aims: Understand what a place-based approach looks like when it comes to reducing social isolation and loneliness and encourage pro social connection Leverage an understanding of current pro-connection places and spaces (assets) in the region as well as ‘hotspots’ for connection Provide empirical evidence of community experiences within places and spaces