About Connect Me
Connect Me helps people improve their health and wellbeing.
It's for Islanders who may feel:
- lonely
- isolated
- less active
The programme connects people with local activities and support.
It was developed with local charities and volunteer groups. This helps make sure it meets the needs of Islanders.
Connect Me has 3 main parts:
Connect Me Directory
It's an online list of local activities, including:
- arts and culture
- nature activities
- sports and physical activities
Health and care professionals can use the directory to refer people to activities.
This is called social prescribing. This means suggesting community activities to support wellbeing.
This can be instead of, or alongside, medical treatment.
Connect Me Events
These events help Islanders find and access local services and activities that support health and wellbeing.
Connect Me Grant funding
Gives money to charities and community groups to run arts, cultural and physical activities, that improve wellbeing.
The Connect Me Directory is a digital platform where Islanders can explore and engage with a wide range of community-based activities and services.
Key features include:
- a searchable directory of 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 through trained Link Workers
- stories, blogs, and videos showcasing successful community projects
If you need help using the Connect Me Directory or would like more information, contact one of our linkworkers at:
Connect Me events
Connect Me events are a way of making activities and services accessible for Islanders of all ages. We organise events 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 event
Information on the next event will be available soon.
Community Connectors
Connectors are at the heart of our Island using arts, cultural, physical and social activities to:
- reduce isolation
- bring people together
- connect and create networks that unite charities, services and community groups
- build resilient, engaged and interwoven communities
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 are urged to:
- collaborate with each other
- think creatively
- test new ideas that create opportunities for their communities
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
The Connect Me: Connecting our communities grant scheme application form is currently closed.
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
- to ensure accessibility by providing activities that are free of charge or affordable to participants, helping to remove barriers to engagement and ensuring inclusivity across the community
Only one application per organisation, charity, service, or individual will be accepted.
Priority will be given to new applicants over repeat projects that have previously received support.
Projects funded by the grant scheme
Connect Me: Connecting our Communities has supported 268 projects created by over 110 organisations which have benefitted over 48,000 Islanders. These projects include:
Contact us
For further information or if you have any questions, email
connectme@gov.je.
gov.je