Connecting Communities

1. Connecting Communities Understanding Social Isolation & How you can make a difference A Resource Kit for the Community Developed by the Northern Sydney Social Inclusion Working Party

2. Purpose of this Resource... • Define Social Isolation • Identify contributing factors • Provide statistics • Identify effects of Social Isolation • What you can do • Provide contacts for more information

3. What is Social Isolation? • Low levels of social interaction AND • Feelings of loneliness

4. What is Social Isolation? People with less than 2 social contacts per week with family/friends are considered to be at risk of Social Isolation

5. Factors that can contribute to Social Isolation... • Living alone – particularly people who have recently lost a partner • Age – older people, youth • Caring responsibilities – spouse, grandchildren • Lack of contact with family & friends • Low / declining levels of participation in activities outside the home

6. Factors that can contribute to Social Isolation... • Gender – particularly males • Limited physical mobility • Prolonged ill-health, disabilities • Cultural &language barriers • Geographic location • Lack of suitable & affordable transport, loss of drivers licence • Low income

7. Living Alone – Older People Source: 2011 Census – Northern Sydney Region (11 LGAs)

8. Activity Levels Decline with Age Source: 2003-2007 Household Travel Survey - Residents living in Manly, Warringah, Pittwater

9. Drivers Licence – Older People Source: 2011 Survey of Older Residents living in Manly, Warringah, Pittwater

10. Effects of Social Isolation... • Poor general well-being • Poor nutrition • Poor health • Increased decline in mobility • Increased difficulty in connecting • Depression

11. Levels of loneliness... • A recent survey of older people found: • 39% of respondents wanted more social contact • 20% of respondents did not participate in any social activities outside their home • 46% undertaking activities found out about them from family/friends Source: 2011 Survey of Older Residents living in Manly, Warringah, Pittwater

12. Comments on loneliness... “As a one person household, I'm very aware that the ‘real world’ only caters for couples and kids” “Days are long when living alone, especially weekends” “I am a carer - I do not have time to have more contact with people but I would like to” “Having just retired I am feeling very lost” “My general health and mobility problems make socialising difficult” Source: 2011 Survey of Older Residents living in Manly, Warringah, Pittwater

13. What you can do... • Promote the importance of connected communities in your own networks • Think about people you know that might be feeling lonely • Make an effort to interact with them • Offer assistance • Get information from your Council that you can share with them

15. What you can do... • Become familiar with the “Social Isolation” Checklist • Give a copy of the Checklist to someone you are concerned about

17. Social Isolation Checklist... • Are you unable to drive or use public transport? • Are you experiencing declining health and now feel you need help? • Would you like to ‘get out and about’ more often but can no longer manage it? • Would you enjoy being picked up and taken on bus trips and outings? • Have you had a recent loss or lost a loved one? • Do you feel unsafe in your own home or when you go out? • Are you in a situation where you have no one to call in an emergency? • Would you like more contact with people?

18. What you can do... • Your suggestions must be practical & informative • Provide flyers, contact numbers • Follow-up after providing information • Offer to accompany someone to a new social activity

19. More information... • Contact your local Council’s Aged & Disability Worker

20. Council Contacts...

21. Thank you...