Social connection research
VicHealth funds research that increases understanding of the effects of social factors on health.
Our research programs aim to build knowledge and skills about the influence of social connection on health and wellbeing – both mental and physical. Through evaluation of all of our programs, we aim to add to the evidence-base on the value of public health interventions for social connection.
We also provide funding through research fellowships. We are currently supporting Dr Jane Burns as she researches effective public health strategies for young people experiencing mental health difficulties. We awarded a fellowship to Dr Deborah Warr in 2006 for her research on the contribution of community participation and networks to improving health and wellbeing outcomes.
We have worked with the McCaughey Centre, University of Melbourne, to research the impact of technology on social inclusion and exclusion. The Screen Stories and Community Connections report can be found on our publications page.
To find out more about our research programs, including a full list of our research fellowships, visit the research page.
Current research activity
Cooperative Research Centre for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing
VicHealth will be working with the Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) for Young People, Technology and Wellbeing, a partnership of 64 agencies. The research project, which will run from 2011 to 2015, aims to build knowledge in the areas of young people, mental health and technology.
Technology and new media review
VicHealth is currently conducting a review of research findings about the role of technology and new media in developing social connection.
Train Stations as Creative Community Hubs
'Train Stations as Creative Community Hubs' is a Victorian Government pilot project that aims to transform railway stations into more attractive and safer public spaces through community involvement. The work has evolved from VicHealth’s 2006 paper, Train Stations as Places for Community Wellbeing.
Community taskforces at Laverton, Geelong and Mooroolbark have developed ideas for improvements that can tap into local identity, while encouraging pride and ownership of the station, leading to a better community for everyone.
The taskforces include:
- people from the local community, local businesses, local councils; and
- a range of State Government departments, service clubs, community groups, and rail operators.
Action plans of ideas and activities for the stations will be assessed by the Department of Transport, to determine opportunities for funding and implementation.
The project evaluation being funded by VicHealth will focus on whether the projects are contributing to the social inclusion and cohesion, and the development of strong communities.
At the Coalface – Arts Recovery Project Officer
At the Coalface project explores the experiences of artists in regions affected by the 2009 Victorian bushfire crisis.
The Victorian bushfire crisis of 2009 provoked an unprecedented coordination of aid in response to disaster. The arts has played a key role in this response, and Regional Arts Victoria has been at the forefront of delivering support to artists and communities in the most acutely affected areas. With added financial assistance from Arts Victoria and the Victorian Arts Centre, RAV appointed Arts Recovery Project Officer (ARPO), Marilyn Gourley, to work specifically in the area of recovery and resilience through the arts in towns such as Kinglake, Marysville, Flowerdale, Toolangi, Buxton and many more.
The ARPO initiative stems from a belief in the principle that investing in community capacity-building strengthens communities by enabling creative expression and social connection. This strength in turn delivers cohesive, engaged and responsive communities able to cope with change. How does that translate in practical terms? What do they actually do? What are the direct benefits and sustainable outcomes for these communities?
VicHealth has funded the evaluation of this project through the creation of a documentary film (directed and conceived by Verity Higgins) to trace the impact and value of an arts officer on the ground, who possesses the broad networks, skills and experience required for such a demanding role.
Three episodes were filmed: Winter ’09; Spring ’09; and Summer ’10; which show the various stages of recovery through the arts in parallel with the transformation of the landscape. The final edit of the film, At The Coalface, incorporates all episodes into the one documentary, which has proven to be much more than an evaluation tool.
Screen Stories and Community Connections – University of Melbourne
Screen Stories and Community Connections project was conducted by the McCaughey Centre (University of Melbourne). The project explored how children and their families use information communication technologies in their everyday lives. The report looks at how relationships with and through technology impact on an individual’s experience of social inclusion and exclusion.