Developing a network of ‘Welcoming & Age Friendly’ community groups in the City of Latrobe

City of Latrobe sought to reduce isolation and loneliness of older members of the community by developing a network of ‘Welcoming & Age Friendly’ community groups with a recognisable brand, and through individual referral pathways.

This project:

held a workshop to define what being welcoming and age friendly meant to individuals and then created resources to support groups to develop and maintain an inclusive environment
established a network of groups and clubs to support people to re-engage with their community
provided a broader understanding of the health impacts of social isolation and loneliness
developed an identifiable brand with localised recognition
developed promotional tools with older people, including a library campaign in an accessible, comfortable environment
raised awareness of available community involvement opportunities.

Key lessons included that:

face-to-face contact motivates groups, increases understanding of the benefits of the project and ensures future interaction
•no two groups are the same – each group offers something more than just their scheduled activities
each individual referral is effective because it is based on the person’s interests and capabilities
most community groups could relate to the benefits of the project, and had engaged with socially isolated seniors
the majority of community members, even if they are currently disconnected, believe that community involvement is important
clubs and groups respond very well to peer evaluation
developing a network of welcoming and age-friendly groups can establish promotional avenues.

Project Leadership Group