Happening Now

These are initiatives currently in progress. Pilots, programs, and collaborations shaping health and wellbeing across the Central Coast and Hunter Region.

Living Well After Hospital

The Living Well After Hospital project, led by researchers at the University of Newcastle and Hunter Medical Research Institute, is testing new ways to reduce hospital readmissions for older adults. Before the trial begins, the research team engaged the Living Lab to lead a two-step co-design process to shape the intervention with older people and their support persons.

How we worked together

CCLL supported the research team to design and deliver two qualitative workshops, ensuring participants were remunerated, icebreaker activities were included to encourage a relaxed atmosphere and openness to contribute, and questions were open and could be answered through participatory methods that encouraged group discussions to improve responses.

In July 2025, fifteen older people and support persons with recent hospital experience from across the Hunter New England LHD participated in the first workshop. They shared experiences of discharge and worked with the team to identify the kinds of supports that could make recovery at home safer and easier. These insights directly informed the next stage of design.

A second workshop will be held on 10 October 2025, where participants will further shape early prototypes before the interventions move into trial.

👉 Learn more about the Living Well After Hospital research program