RecruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluating and Implementing The CONNECT Program - a Group-Based Telehealth Intervention to Reduce Social Isolation, Loneliness, and Mental Health Symptoms in Adults Ages 55+, Compared to Routine Community-Based Programming

This study is testing The CONNECT Program, a new group programme for adults aged 55 and over who feel lonely, isolated, or are dealing with anxiety and depression. This programme helps people connect with others and learn new coping skills from home, either over the phone or online. It's designed to be easy for people to access. Researchers want to see if The CONNECT Program is better at improving mental well-being and reducing feelings of loneliness compared to joining typical community activities. The study also aims to understand how well this programme can be put into practice to help more older adults across the country.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

University of Manitoba

Enrolment target

128

Start

08 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

31 Dec 2026

Loneliness Social Isolation Depression Disorders Anxiety

What is this study about?

Many older adults in Canada, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic, are feeling more lonely, isolated, anxious, or down. These feelings aren't just uncomfortable; they can affect overall health, memory, and even how long someone lives. On the other hand, staying connected with others and being involved in activities can really boost well-being and protect against health issues.

While many people could benefit from support, older adults sometimes find it difficult to get help for their mental health, either because they don't know where to look or it's hard to get to appointments. However, we know that getting involved in community groups can make a real difference, leading to better mood and more support from others. This is why programmes that encourage both social activities and emotional support are so important, especially if they can be easily accessed from home.

Our team created The CONNECT Program, which is a group programme for people aged 55 and over. It's delivered over the phone or online, meaning you don't need to leave your house to take part. It helps people learn new ways to cope with difficult feelings and connect with others. This study will compare The CONNECT Program with typical community activities to see how effective it is in making people feel less lonely, isolated, anxious, or depressed, and to see if it helps improve their overall well-being. We want to understand if this programme can be successfully offered to more people nationwide.

Key takeaways

This study helps older adults feel less lonely and anxious.
The CONNECT Program is a new virtual group activity.
It teaches skills to improve mental well-being.
You can participate from the comfort of your home.
It aims to make support more easily available.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for adults aged 55 and over. To join, you need to be able to speak, read, and understand English, and manage to take part in group conversations even if you have some hearing or vision changes.

You should also have experienced feelings of loneliness, social isolation, anxiety, or depression at some point. If you cannot communicate in English, this study might not be suitable for you.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 55 years old or older?
Can you speak, read, and understand English?
Can you comfortably take part in phone or online group chats?
Do you sometimes feel lonely, isolated, anxious, or down?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you take part in this study, you would either join The CONNECT Program or continue with your usual community activities. The CONNECT Program involves group sessions delivered remotely, either over the phone or virtually online. The specific duration and frequency of these sessions would be explained in detail if you are eligible. Researchers will ask you to complete questionnaires to understand your feelings of loneliness, anxiety, depression, and overall well-being at different points throughout the study to see how the programme affects you.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer benefits such as reducing feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by connecting with others and learning new coping strategies. There are no major physical risks involved. Some people might find discussing their feelings challenging, but support will be available. Your privacy will be protected, and you are free to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, which will not affect any current or future care you receive.

Locations (1)

University of Manitoba
Verified postcode
Winnipeg, Canada· Recruiting

Common questions

What is The CONNECT Program?

It's a group programme for adults over 55, delivered by phone or online, to help reduce loneliness, isolation, anxiety, and depression by teaching new coping skills.

Who can join this study?

Adults aged 55 or older who can speak English and have experienced feelings of loneliness, isolation, anxiety, or depression.

Do I have to leave my home to participate?

No, The CONNECT Program is delivered remotely, either by phone or online, so you can take part from home.

What will I be asked to do if I join?

You will either join The CONNECT Program group sessions or be in a group continuing with usual community activities, and complete some questionnaires about your feelings and well-being.

Can I stop participating if I want to?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any time, for any reason, and it won't affect any care you receive.

How to find out more

Kristin AA Reynolds, PhD

kristin.reynolds@umanitoba.ca 204-474-8260 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.