What is Connect Me?
Connect Me is a social prescribing program led by the Government of Jersey.
It was co-created with both local charities and volunteer groups.
The idea comes from social prescribing, a preventative healthcare initiative that’s becoming increasingly popular around the world.
What is social prescribing?
Social prescribing is when doctors or health care professionals recommend non-medical social activities, such as participation in arts, nature or sports groups, instead of, or alongside medicine. This can help with problems like loneliness, low mood, or inactivity.
Studies show social prescribing can:
- save money on health services
- reduce pressure on doctors and clinics
- help treat some physical and mental health issues without medicine
How Connect Me works
Connect Me works with Jersey charities and community groups to offer activities in art, nature, and sports. It started in 2019 as a “Closer to Home” initiative and now runs as Connect Me engagement events.
After COVID-19, the project received more funding through the Social Recovery Fund. This led to the Connect Me grant scheme and the training of Community Connectors, people who help link others to these social activities.
With financial support from the States of Jersey, the program has grown through the Government Plan. The support has helped create the Connect Me Directory, a guide that helps people find and join local activities.
Connect Me engagement events
About Connect Me events
Connect Me events, previously known as Closer to Home, are a way of making activities and services accessible for Islanders of all ages.
We organise events in various locations around the Island and provide free advice, support and activities.
Connect Me events foster a sense of community by encouraging participation in local activities and shared experiences.
The mobile event makes it easier for people to access services that can improve their wellbeing by bringing together:
- charities
- community organisations
- government services
We offer a wide range of services and activities. These include:
- social activities, such as arts and crafts
- exercise classes
- support and advice
Upcoming events
The next Connect Me event is:
- on Saturday 22 November 2025
- at Hautlieu School, Wellington Road, St Saviour, Jersey, JE2 7TH
This community event will offer a range of activities aimed at engaging participants of all ages.
Connect Me Directory
Connect Me Directory, previously known as Elemental, is a digital platform where Islanders can explore and engage with a wide range of community-based activities and services, aimed at improving health and wellbeing.
Key features include:
- a searchable directory of social prescribed local programmes, from cultural events to physical activities and mental health support
- flexibility to self-serve or seek assistance from a Link Worker, who can help individuals access tailored support
- a platform that allows GPs and healthcare professionals to refer patients to social prescribing services and activities via trained Link Workers
- stories, blogs, and videos showcasing successful community projects
Community Connectors
Connectors are at the heart of our Island using arts, cultural, physical and social activities to reduce isolation and to bring people together.
Their role is to listen, connect and create networks that unite charities, services and community groups.
Connectors work together and embed themselves in harder to reach parts of our society, to support and develop activity that helps to build resilient, engaged and interwoven communities.
They focus on those most isolated and at risk from health issues. They assist them to take part in activity that supports their wellbeing and social connections.
Each month, Connectors receive:
- a training session in community building to enhance their skills
- a feedback or coaching session to share experiences and brainstorm solutions collectively
- an invitation to attend our 6 weekly breakfast networking events
The commitment to these sessions encourages Connectors to learn more about each other's organisations, and to share ideas and resources. Connectors support each other and design new projects for the Connect Me Directory.
Connectors are urged to collaborate with each other, to think creatively, and to test new ideas that create opportunities for their communities, that support wellbeing.
Find out more about Community Connectors on our blog.
Learn about becoming a Community Connector on YouTube.
If you are interested in becoming a Community Connector, email us at
connectme@gov.je.
Connecting our communities grant scheme
Grant scheme applications
Applications are now closed for 2025.
Dates to be confirmed for 2026 applications.
The Connect Me: Connecting our communities grant scheme is an initiative to provide opportunities for Jersey residents to take part in cultural and physical activities.
Grants of up to £5,000 are available for projects which will increase opportunities for Islanders to participate in artistic, physical or social activities.
The scheme aims to engage Islanders in community activities to:
- promote a sense of connection
- prevent loneliness
- enhance both physical health and overall wellbeing
Grant scheme criteria
We have kept the application criteria as open as possible to receive a wide range of creative project proposals.
An independent panel will assess applications and award projects which deliver the greatest benefits across the scheme’s 6 aims.
The aims are to:
-
engage a large cross section of the Jersey community in arts or physical activity aimed at enhancing sustainable wellbeing over the next 2 years
-
increase participation in the arts or physical activity across the Island
-
provide a means for Government to progress towards the delivery of the strategic objectives outlined in the:
-
stimulate the creative economy by providing coordinated work for creatives and arts practitioners
-
cooperate with other organisations, where possible, in delivery of the project
-
new applicants will have precedence over repeat projects supported
Projects funded by the grant scheme
Connect Me: Connecting our Communities has supported 220 projects created by over 100 organisations which have benefitted over 40,000 Islanders. These projects include:
International Cultural Centre (ICC)
The ICC is a free service offering confidential support and guidance for people arriving and living in Jersey.
Find more information about
the International Cultural Centre.
Contact us
For further information or if you have any questions, email
connectme@gov.je.
gov.je