Social support

Staying connected and engaged with your social

You can access social support through the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP) or a Home Care Package (HCP). This could simply be a visit from your support worker for a cup of tea and a chat, getting out in your community together or attending community based social activities with other older people in your area.

There are a number of social support initiatives and programs across the country helping people like you stay connected to friends, family and your community.

Connecting online

Be Connected is an Australian wide initiative helping Australians learn to connect with others digitally. The movement provides free courses to teach people how to use a range of technologies including Apple and Android products.

Through Be Connected you can engage with family and friends online, find new friends, keep up - to - date with what’s happening in the world and your community and learn how to safely and securely buy and sell items online.

If you benefit from in-person support, the Be Connected network offers community partners who can visit your home to help you develop your digital skills and build confidence. To find out more about this initiative call 1300 795 897 or visit beconnected.esafety.gov.au.

Community Visitors Scheme

You may need a little help to stay connected to your community, which is where the Community Visitors Scheme can assist. It is an Australian Government initiative delivered under the Commonwealth Home Support Programme (CHSP).

It organises volunteers for home visits to older people who are at risk of loneliness or social isolation. These volunteers can offer conversation and friendship, often through shared language or cultural backgrounds or life experiences.

The Community Visitors Scheme is run by organisations who will make sure your volunteer is a good match, so you need to include information about any special needs or circumstances when applying. Volunteers are assigned based on urgency and suitability, not waiting time.

For more information on the Community Visitors Scheme call My Aged Care on 1800 200 422 or visit myagedcare.gov.au .

Social clubs and activities

Your council and community groups or organisations may host a range of social activities and clubs which help you stay engaged and connected with your community. Joining a club will help you find a purpose, meet new people and you’ll have something to look forward to.

These could include:

◆ Reading

◆ Arts and crafts

◆ Dancing

◆ Board games

◆ Exercise and walking

◆ Music

◆ Cooking

◆ Outdoor activities

◆ Hobby collecting (such as antiques or other items)

Getting involved in social clubs, activities or groups has a range of benefits including improving cognitive function, maintaining or improving physical health, preventing depression, increasing immune system functioning, better sleep and can even lead to a longer life.

You can chat with your local council to find social clubs and activities near you or speak to your support worker or coordinator of your Home Care Package about getting involved in social classes in your community.

Men’s sheds

Men are more inclined to experience isolation, loneliness and depression as they age. We know the vital role social engagement and networks play throughout our lives and this is particularly important as you get older.

Men’s sheds are a great place where men from all walks of life can come together to chat and enjoy each other’s company. The sheds provide a safe, positive and busy environment without the pressure. According to the Australian Men’s Shed Association, “Men can just come and have a yarn and a cuppa if that is all they’re looking for.”

Men’s sheds play an invaluable role in opening up the conversation of men’s emotions and health and wellbeing, particularly mental health. Funded by the Department of Health, the Australian Men’s Shed Association provides practical support to men’s sheds and delivers a wide range of services to improve the health and wellbeing of members and reduce the number of men who are at risk from preventable health issues that may arise from isolation.

The Association has collaborated with National, State, Territory and community services such as Beyond Blue, Heart Foundation, Department of Veterans’ Affairs and Cancer Council to develop and deliver a range of resources and national initiatives.

Often bonding over common interests or life experiences, many men thrive on the mateship formed at men’s sheds. To find a men’s shed near you, call the Australian Men’s Shed Association on 1300 550 009 or visit mensshed.org/find-a-shed.

Volunteering

Volunteering is a great way to stay active and connected to your community, while also helping other people.

According to statistics from Volunteering Australia, older Australians aged over 65 years old contribute the most volunteering hours compared to other age groups, totalling on average, 104 hours per year each.

With more than 600,000 not-for- profit organisations across the country relying on the generous support of volunteers, lending your time and skills benefits both you and the organisation you volunteer for.

There are lots of organisations you can volunteer for that align with your hobbies or interests including arts or heritage, education and training, animal welfare, emergency services, environment, health, parenting, children and youth, religious and sports and recreation.

You could clean up litter and rubbish in your local community, spend time at a local animal shelter helping feed and walk dogs, volunteer at the library or put your green thumb to use in the community garden.

Volunteering has a range of health benefits too, with the activity helping to provide purpose, a sense of selfworth and social enrichment.

Just a few hours of volunteer work on a regular basis can make a significant difference to your happiness and mood and is associated with improved mental health.

You can speak to your local council about what volunteering opportunities may be available. Volunteering Australia can also point you in the right direction, connecting you to volunteering opportunities in your community. Call 02 6251 4060 or visit volunteeringaustralia.org for more information.