What is Canary Connects?

Canary Connects is a gentle matchmaking column for children and young people who want connection — but might find groups, clubs, or school settings overwhelming or inaccessible.

It’s a place for slow, meaningful friendships to begin. A place where feeling “different” is not a barrier, but a bridge.

Many of the children featured in Canary Connects are neurodivergent, disabled, or have experienced school trauma, social anxiety, or isolation. Some are learning from home, some can’t attend school at all, and some just find it hard to meet like-minded peers in the usual ways.

We believe that every child deserves to find someone who gets them — and Canary Connects is here to help make that happen.