Queensland Government
Department of Communities, Child Safety and Disability Services

The Office for Seniors had lead responsibility for the role of project manager. The project involved five phases. These were not strictly linear and the timing of some phases overlapped.

  1. Research and analysis of current responses to social isolation through a literature review.
  2. Identification of local responses to social isolation through community meetings and forums and a submission process.
  3. Identification of innovative and effective approaches to social isolation based on the research findings of phase 1 and 2.
  4. Development, implementation and evaluation of demonstration projects based on innovative approaches/leading practice models.
  5. Dissemination of information about best practice models that prevent and reduce social isolation, and project finalisation.

The project is in phase 5.

Demonstration Projects

Five organisations received funding to develop and implement innovative models/approaches to reduce social isolation of older people during July 2005 to February 2007. The demonstration projects were evaluated to assess the effectiveness of the models in reducing social isolation and increasing integrated community responses.

Organisation Project name Funding Service description
Brisbane City Council Social Isolation Project

$85,000

$30,000 for 6-month extension

 This project will enhance the whole of community response to socially isolated older people by consolidating established community networks, increasing referral pathways and training and linking local gatekeepers (such as churches, funeral services and home services) with the existing infrastructure. The project will develop a project manual and will concentrate on strategies that foster independence and enhance natural social networks of older people.
Multicultural Development Association Culturally Appropriate Volunteer Services (CAVS)

$55,000

$20,000 for 6-month extension

 The CAVS project will resource, support and expand culturally appropriate volunteer services within participating agencies to address social isolation in the community for older people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds (CALD) using a community development framework. The project will resource and support agencies (both multicultural and mainstream) to develop and expand culturally appropriate volunteer services, recruit and skill volunteers from CALD backgrounds and develop a pool of volunteers to support older persons from CALD backgrounds who are socially isolated. The project will provide a central point of contact to link referrals for agencies, potential volunteers, clients and carers. It will develop a model of volunteer service provision, which is transferable to other CALD communities and other community organisations.
Fitness Queensland Association Steady Steps Falls Prevention Program $40,000 Registered fitness instructors already trained to deliver the 10 week Steady Steps gentle exercise and falls prevention programs will be given training to increase their knowledge of social isolation issues and improve their skills in mentoring, friendship development and building social connectedness. This project will be conducted in the three sites of Logan, Townsville and Toowoomba.
Hervey Bay City Council Hervey Bay City Council $74,000 This project will directly build on the findings, information and relationships that have resulted from work previously undertaken with older people in the community. It will develop a collaborative partnership approach with key agencies and socially isolated people, to build on existing successful strategies, identify available resources and services and strengthen direct access of isolated persons to services and activities. The project includes community forums, development of an action plan, a resource kit and implementing a 'buddy' system.
Greenvale State School Parents and Citizens Association Seniors Connecting $46,000

This project targets mature aged persons 55 years and over, in particular isolated mature aged graziers. The project will establish a regular fitness program of a range of exercises, an art program and a swim program. This project focuses on the transportation, positive ageing, upskilling and self-governing issues for older people. A major objective is the integration of town and district seniors to establish a community networks of seniors.