ConnectUp

💙 “Finding community helped me move from isolation and grief towards belonging, advocacy and purpose.”

This National Week of Deaf People (21–27 September), we’re delighted to share Hannah’s thoughtful article for Jean Hailes, in her own words:

“I think it’s important to highlight that meaningful social connection is not simply about being around other people. It’s about belonging, reciprocity, choice and feeling valued.”

“I would encourage people to start small, focus on something they genuinely enjoy, explore peer-led communities and remember that it is OK to connect in ways that work for them.”

Thank you, Hannah, for sharing your experiences so openly, and for encouraging others to find connection through ConnectUp. We’re so grateful to have you in our community. 💙

📖 Read Hannah’s full story here: https://www.jeanhailes.org.au/stories/people-with-disability-are-othered-how-hannah-found-her-community/

Join our community: connectup.org.au

Image description: Hannah and Yordanka smiling together in Perth.

💛 What makes you feel welcome somewhere new?

It’s Welcoming Week! From 10-20 September, communities across Australia are celebrating belonging and inclusion, and the role we all play in making people feel welcome.

A friendly hello? Clear accessibility information?Someone remembering your name? Being able to join in at your own pace?

This Welcoming Week, we’re celebrating the small things, and the thoughtful planning, that make belonging possible.

Co-designed with people with disability and unpaid carers, ConnectUp is a free platform to discover accessible activities, explore events and venues, and connect with people who share your interests.

🌱 Find something you’d like to try, invite someone along, or share an activity with the ConnectUp community.

Visit www.connectup.org.au or search “ConnectUp Australia” in the App Store or Google Play.

👇 What’s one thing that makes you feel welcome at a new activity?



Photos by Paul Goldie - absolutely amazing photographer 📸 with All Abilities Hoops WA crew 🏀⛹️‍♂️⛹🏾⛹🏾‍♀️

💛 Connection starts with a conversation

Today is R U OK? Day - a reminder to check in with the people around us, listen without judgement and stay connected beyond today.

Sometimes connection begins with a simple message. Sometimes it grows through a shared interest, an activity or an invitation to join in.

ConnectUp helps people with disability and unpaid carers discover accessible activities, events and venues - and meet others who share their interests.

Today, ask someone “Are you OK?” Then keep the connection going. 💙

👉 Join ConnectUp or share it with someone in your community: www.connectup.org.au

Movement is about more than physical health, it can create connection, confidence and a sense of belonging. 💙

On World Physiotherapy Day, we’re celebrating the many ways movement brings people together. Whether it’s joining a walking group, trying an inclusive sport or simply finding an accessible place to be active, small steps can lead to meaningful connections.

ConnectUp makes it easier for people with disability and unpaid carers to discover accessible activities, events and venues, and connect with people who share their interests.

👉 Join ConnectUp today, explore what’s available near you and invite someone else to come along.

🌐 www.connectup.org.au

📱 Download the app by searching “ConnectUp Australia”

Amazing work supported by our partner organisation Ramsay Health Care

Big news from our research partner Carers WA

The Cook Labor Government has appointed Carrie Clark as Chair and six new members to the WA Carers Advisory Council, which advises the government on issues affecting Western Australia's unpaid carers.

At Carers WA, we welcome these appointments and the opportunity they bring to further elevate carers’ voices at the highest levels.

👉 Read more: https://bit.ly/4gYI0UL

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=i5rc-nKR8eU we are still reminiscing our Launch Party 😄

If you haven't downloaded the app yet - go to the app store and search for ConnectUp Australia! 🥳

Connect Up Launch Event 2026 ft All Abilities Connect Up Launch Event 2026 ft All AbilitiesConnectUp is empower...

✨ Connection doesn’t happen by accident.

It starts with a conversation.
A shared activity.
A friendly smile.
An invitation to join in.

For many people with disability and carers, opportunities to connect can be harder to find. Yet social connection is one of the most powerful contributors to wellbeing, confidence, belonging, and quality of life.

Connection isn’t just about having people around us. It’s about feeling seen, valued, included, and part of something bigger than ourselves.

Whether it’s attending a local event, trying a new activity, meeting someone who shares your interests, or simply reaching out for a chat - every connection matters.

At ConnectUp , we’re building a community where people can discover opportunities, find their people, and create meaningful connections through shared experiences and participation.

Because everyone deserves to belong.

💙 Download ConnectUp today, search for ConnectUp Australia on App Store