Connect: Reach out for a richer life
Social distancing measures have changed the way people live and have exacerbated the issue of loneliness which affects physical and mental health. Loneliness is worse for individuals who live by themselves. The City of Unley has over 30% of its residents living in single households and over 26% of older individuals are aged 65+, creating a high risk of loneliness in our community.
To address this social disconnection “Reach out for a richer life” has been generated by our Active Ageing Alliance and aims to encourage non users and current users of Council services over the age of 65 to establish richer connections with the community.
Project aims
Whilst project planning is in its early stages, we hope to reach out to individuals who may be isolated and identify what would help them build stronger social supports. The project will offer small-scale free village activities (e.g. coffee vans, street barbecues,) at which our Active Ageing volunteers can share resources and have a peer-to-peer chat. Secondly, building upon our Age-friendly Business Network, we hope to establish trusted local contacts who engage with older people (such as hairdressers, pharmacies or DIY stores). These trusted contacts will be encouraged to share information about the options the Council is offering and encourage their clients to reach out to us.
Project achievements
A program of ‘Sneak Peeks’ was kicked off with a visit to the Community Shed at Rosefield Wayville, which enabled our Community Home support Program clients to explore what wonderful community groups are in the local community , giving them a chance to take up new hobbies or re visit passions they had in the past in a new supportive environment. Keep an eye on the events pages for new Sneak Peek opportunities.
If you wish to be involved in the project, contact the Active Ageing Project Officer at pobox1@unley.sa.gov.au