Nillumbik Shire Council has received a $25,000 grant from the State Government to develop a program of initiatives to increase social participation opportunities for those socially isolated within the community.
The two year grant will support Council to deliver the ‘Nillumbik Community Connect’ program, where a network of place-based volunteer social connectors will link and support socially isolated and vulnerable older people to their preferred activities and services.
The grant will also fund the development of an online directory of local community groups, activities, services and programs, and training local community groups and organisations to become ‘welcoming and age-friendly’.
Mayor, Karen Egan said she is delighted Council will be providing new opportunities for older people to remain active and healthy and continue to participate in social, economic and community life.
‘This is often a challenge for many older residents, as identified in a 2018 community survey.
Residents outlined that they needed more social connection opportunities to assist them to live and age well in Nillumbik’, said Mayor Egan.
‘The newly funded program will provide these residents with access to the right services and information.
It will enable them to make independent decisions and access services, programs and initiatives to maintain and improve their social connection and reduce their social isolation’.
An ageing population is becoming more significant in Nillumbik.
By 2036 the number of people over the age of 65 years is expected to grow by 73% and make up 20% of our total population (ABS, 2016) and particular issues faced by the older population will increase.
Addressing the social isolation issues through the newly funded ‘Nillumbik Community Connect’ program is an opportunity for Council to improve social connection for the most vulnerable and increase participation opportunities for them within their communities.
