Strengthening local networks of care across Australia
The Compassionate Connector Program helps communities build stronger networks of practical, social and emotional support around people experiencing ageing, serious illness, caregiving, dying and grief.
Rather than replacing health or community services, Compassionate Connectors strengthen the relationships and local connections that help people feel supported, connected and cared for throughout life’s most challenging experiences.
WHAT IS A COMPASSIONATE CONNECTOR?
Connecting people, strengthening communities
A Compassionate Connector is a trained community volunteer who helps people identify and strengthen the network of family, friends, neighbours and community members already around them.
Rather than providing clinical or personal care, Connectors help build confidence, encourage conversations and connect people with practical support that already exists within their community.
By strengthening local relationships, Compassionate Connectors help reduce isolation and ensure people feel supported by those around them.
WHY THE PROGRAM MATTERS
Most care already happens in the community
Research consistently shows that much of the support people receive during serious illness, caregiving, ageing, dying and grief comes from family, friends, neighbours and local communities.
Health and aged care services provide essential clinical care, but they cannot meet every social, emotional and practical need.
The Compassionate Connector Program helps strengthen the networks that already exist, ensuring communities are better equipped to care for one another alongside formal services.
HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS
Supporting existing networks of care
Every person’s situation is different, but the Compassionate Connector approach follows the same guiding principles.
Listen
Take time to understand the person’s situation, priorities and existing support network.
Connect
Identify family, friends, neighbours, community groups and local organisations that may be able to provide practical, emotional or social support.
Strengthen
Encourage and strengthen existing relationships so support becomes more sustainable over time.
Build Community
Help create stronger local networks that continue supporting people beyond the involvement of the Connector.
BUILDING COMMUNITY CAPABILITY
Creating lasting change beyond individual support
The Compassionate Connector Program is about more than helping one person.
Every connection strengthens the wider community by increasing confidence, encouraging collaboration and building local capacity to respond when people experience illness, caregiving, dying or grief.
As communities become more connected, they become better equipped to support one another now and into the future.
EVIDENCE IN ACTION
Backed by research and lived experience
The Compassionate Connector Program is grounded in Australian and international research demonstrating the value of community-led approaches to care.
Studies have shown that stronger social networks improve wellbeing, reduce isolation and help people remain connected throughout serious illness, caregiving, dying and bereavement.
By working alongside formal services, Compassionate Connectors contribute to stronger outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
NATIONAL ROLLOUT
Growing stronger communities across Australia
Compassionate Communities Australia is working with communities and partner organisations to expand the Compassionate Connector Program across Australia.
Through training, collaboration and shared learning, we are helping communities develop local networks of care that complement health and aged care services while responding to the unique needs of each community.
As the program grows, communities across Australia are building stronger, more compassionate responses to life’s most challenging experiences.
GET INVOLVED
Help strengthen your community
Whether you’re part of a community organisation, health service, local government, aged care provider or simply passionate about building stronger communities, we’d love to hear from you.
Together, we can strengthen local networks of care and help ensure more Australians feel supported through ageing, caregiving, serious illness, dying and grief.
Compassionate Communities Australia is the national organisation building community capability through advocacy, practical resources, partnerships and community-led action.
