Miao Juan Toh

Loneliness is an emerging public health issue that can have adverse effects on the physical and mental health of individuals. Social isolation can occur due to physical fragility, low self-esteem or cultural differences. Carlton Connect serves to improve social integration by re-engaging the community with its design and delivery of services. It focuses on providing health amenities that improves mental wellbeing as well as community services that encourage dialogue between different social groups to create a better sense of belonging to the neighbourhood.

This is done by enhancing the experience of the ‘community walk’ as it is a great opportunity to interact with your neighbours and develop meaningful connections that strengthens the community as a whole. Going for a walk is also a great form of exercise and stress relieve which can improve your overall health. Ultimately, it’s this notion of combining the experience of the ‘community walk’ into the design of the community health center that allows people to come to Carlton to Connect.