Formative evaluation of the Digital Connect Promote and Protect Program platform Prototype (CP3)

Opportunity

Connect, Promote and Protect Program (CP3) – developed by the University of Sydney and Uniting NSW.ACT, is a world-first social connection and wellbeing program delivered in school aged care. CP3’s current face-to-face and manual delivery model has demonstrated strong engagement; however, it also highlights a significant opportunity to extend its reach, sustainability, and national scalability through digitisation. This project seeks to evaluate a digital version of the CP3 program to improve access, sustainability, and scalability.

Co-designed with children, educators, families, and mental health experts, the digital platform will translate CP3’s proven wellbeing and social connection activities into an interactive, user-friendly format. Activities will include development of the digital prototype, educator training resources, user testing in diverse Out of School Hours Care (OSHC) settings, and evaluation of feasibility, acceptability, and initial outcomes.

The project will also build capacity in the OSHC workforce by embedding implementation supports and enhancing digital literacy. The final product will be ready for broad implementation in September 2026. Ultimately, digitising CP3 enables early mental health support at scale, strengthens the OSHC workforce, and contributes to a healthier, more connected generation – reducing long-term service demand and improving educational and workforce outcomes.

Project Objectives

The aim of this project is to:

• To develop and evaluate a co-designed, evidence-based digital version of the CP3 program suitable for broad implementation in school-age care settings
• To enhance workforce capacity through embedded digital training tools and educator support resources