SESLHD partners with council to tackle social isolation & loneliness

South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) and Bayside Council have partnered for the second year running to award 20 ‘Doing it Differently’ (DID) grants to support local projects that address loneliness and social isolation.

Grants of up to $10,000 were awarded to individuals and community groups within the Bayside Local Government Area to facilitate opportunities for people to connect, belong, take part, engage, feel useful and have something to look forward to.
 
Ms Dixon, Director, Planning Population Health and Equity, SESLHD, said that all projects funded aim to increase social connection and reduce loneliness through activities that range from seniors' choirs to youth-focused programs and women’s DIY sheds.
 
“Loneliness can have a negative impact on health, with people affected at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, anxiety and premature death.
 
“The DID program empowers the community by recognising that alongside healthcare professionals, local residents are active and equal partners to help create effective solutions to improve health and wellbeing.
 
“The successful grant recipients demonstrated the potential to increase social connections through existing social capital, making the program a great example of ways the health sector can successfully build on community strengths to generate positive health outcomes,” Ms Dixon said.
 
In 2017, the funded projects reached approximately 10,000 local residents and participants reported significant improvements in health and wellbeing.
 
Two projects, ‘Continuous Lines’ and ‘The Fix it Van’, are featured in this short video.
 
For more information about the DID initiative and other SESLHD community projects, visit the ‘Your Voice’ website.