Connecting Communities

A Resource Kit for the CommunityDeveloped 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 CoordinatorHornsby 9847 6535Hunters Hill 9879 9419Ku-ring-gai 9424 0836Lane Cove 9911 3593Manly 9976 1562 or 9976 1566Mosman 9978 4129North Sydney

9936 8195

Pittwater 9970 1199Ryde 9952 8304Warringah 9942 2560 or 9942 2563Willoughby 9777 7975

Thank you...