Connecting Communities A Resource Kit for the Community Developed by the Northern Sydney Social Inclusion Working Party Understanding Social Isolation & How you can make a difference
Mar 31, 2015
Connecting Communities
A Resource Kit for the Community
Developed by the Northern Sydney Social Inclusion Working Party
Understanding Social Isolation & How you can
make a difference
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
What is Social Isolation?
1.Low levels of social interaction
AND
2.Feelings of loneliness
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
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
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
Living Alone – Older People
Source: 2011 Census – Northern Sydney Region (11 LGAs)
65-74 years 75-84 years 85 & over All People 15+0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
Activity Levels Decline with Age
Source: 2003-2007 Household Travel Survey - Residents living in Manly, Warringah, Pittwater
15-24 25-34 35–44 45–54 55–64 65–74 75–84 85 & over
All Ages
0
1
2
3
4
5
6
Av. No. Trips each Weekday by Age
Drivers Licence – Older People
Source: 2011 Survey of Older Residents living in Manly, Warringah, Pittwater
65-74 years 75-84 years 85 years & over0%
20%
40%
60%
80%
100%
No
Yes
Effects of Social Isolation...
• Poor general well-being• Poor nutrition• Poor health• Increased decline in
mobility• Increased difficulty in
connecting• Depression
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
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
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
What you can do...
• Become familiar with the “Social Isolation” Checklist
• Give a copy of the Checklist to someone you are concerned about
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?
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
More information...
• Contact your local Council’s Aged & Disability Worker
Council Contacts...Council Aged & Disability Coordinator
Hornsby 9847 6535
Hunters Hill 9879 9419
Ku-ring-gai 9424 0836
Lane Cove 9911 3593
Manly 9976 1562 or 9976 1566
Mosman 9978 4129
North Sydney
9936 8195
Pittwater 9970 1199
Ryde 9952 8304
Warringah 9942 2560 or 9942 2563
Willoughby 9777 7975
Thank you...