​Key Approach

The model combined:

• A community-based “link worker” role embedded at the Neighbourhood House

• Social, educational, and health-related activities co-designed with the community

• Strong partnerships between local organisations to better connect people with services

Rather than prescribing interventions, the project focused on building trust, providing safe spaces, and enabling people to reflect, connect, and take action on their own health and wellbeing.

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Key Findings & Outcomes

The project demonstrated that:

• Social connection is critical to health – increased engagement reduced isolation and improved wellbeing

• Early intervention works – participants showed improved understanding and management of their health

• Simple, person-centred approaches are effective – guided conversations and community support led to meaningful behaviour change

• Health improvements were measurable, including better emotional wellbeing, increased physical activity, and stronger social connections 

The project also identified that many participants faced barriers such as transport, financial constraints, and service navigation challenges, reinforcing the need for local, accessible support.

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Role of the Link Worker

A key success factor was the community connection (link worker) role, which:

• Helped individuals navigate complex health and social systems

• Provided personalised, relationship-based support

• Connected people to services, activities, and each other

This role proved especially valuable in rural settings, where services are fragmented and harder to access.

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Impact & Learnings

The project highlighted that:

• Community-led, place-based approaches can significantly improve health outcomes

• Trusted local organisations (like Neighbourhood Houses) are essential “anchor institutions”

• Collaboration between health services and community organisations leads to stronger, more sustainable outcomes

It also demonstrated that relatively low-cost, preventative approaches can reduce future demand on health services.

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Recommendations & Future Direction

Our experience recommends:

• Ongoing investment in community connection/link worker roles

• Embedding this model into routine health and community service delivery

• Continued focus on early intervention, prevention, and social connection

The findings suggest this model is scalable and transferable to other rural communities facing similar challenges.

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Conclusion

The Healthy Ageing Hub shows that improving health outcomes doesn’t always require complex clinical interventions. By investing in connection, trust, and community-based support, it is possible to help people live healthier, more independent lives for longer - while building stronger, more resilient communities.