Social Connections

Older people without adequate social connections have an increased risk of poorer mental health and wellbeing which negatively impacts on their physical health and use of health services. In response to these ongoing issues, this program aims to reduce isolation and loneliness and improve the mental health of participants. Our social connections projects are based on a Compassionate Communities approach.

Improving Social Connections for Older People

In 2019, the Social Connectedness of Older People in the Hawkesbury pilot project held three Community Workshops in targeted areas of the region. Over one hundred professionals, volunteers and community members participated. A comprehensive report on the outcomes of the workshops has been produced by Synergia.

As a result of the workshop outcomes and committee guidance, three strategies were developed:

• Training of practice nurses in general practice to become Health Connectors
• Establishment and training for Community Connectors and Community Connector Points
• Development and promotion of Website Directory - My Health Connector

In 2020 we commenced the Social Connections for Older People initiative in Penrith and Blue Mountains as a part of the Australian Government’s mental health response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This initiative aimed to support older people who may be experiencing social isolation and/or loneliness by promoting connections to services and support to improve their mental health and wellbeing. Similar strategies were implemented for these communities.

In 2023 our work on social connection expanded with our Health Connector and Connector Points being offered. 

In 2024 and 2025, the Health Connectors will continue to have conversations with older patients for a variety of reasons and referring them to non-clinical services and activities. We will also be working in the Blue Mountains and expanding the Compassionate Communities approach.

Who is Involved?

Health Connectors

Health Connectors are specially trained practice nurses who work with patients and carers. They help people to develop their social support networks. This free service is offered in practices across our region. To find a practice near you, go to the My Health Connector Directory and search for health connectors. 

Community Connectors

Community Connectors are members of the general population who know what services are available in the community and can share that information with people wanting to improve their social networks.

Training was provided to support the community to be confident in having conversations around social isolation and use the My Health Connector directory as a resource. Over 100 Community Connectors in the region were trained and they continue to sign post other community memebers to activities or groups. Community Connectors can be of any background or profession – neighbours, volunteers, taxi drivers, baristas, retail workers. Anyone who has contact with older people and an interest in helping older people to stay connected can be involved. This free service is offerec in practices across our region. 

Connector Points

Identified community organisations can provide face-to-face or telephone assistance for improving social connections and reducing social isolation of older people, particularly those without internet access. The Connector Points built sustainability for the program beyond the pilot period. You can access a Connector Point on the My Health Connector website. This free service is offered in practices across our region. 

Wellbeing Connectors

Wellbeing Connectors provide free support to connect older adults with social or lifestyle activities in their community. These include physical activity programs (walking groups, group exercise programs, online exercises), arts and recreational activities (book clubs, bird watching, music programs), volunteering oppurtunities and social activities (Men's Sheds, coffee clubs). Wellbeing Connector services are locally based and can be provided in person, over the phone, online or via home visit. To find a Wellbeing Connector, search ‘Wellbeing Connector’ in the My Health Connector service directory.

Intergenerational Connections

Intergenerational Connections bring together older people from the community and preschool aged children for group-based interactions. These programs support older people to improve their 
social and physical wellbeing though activities that foster meaningful engagement 

My Health Connector Website

The My Health Connector website is a free online directory to help people improve their social connections and lifestyle supports. The directory provides information about local health and community services available to support people living in our region. My Health Connector can be used by both services and community members. It can also be used as a resource for Health connectors and Community connectors to promote services available in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas.

Further Information

If you would like to find out more about the Improving Social Connections for Older People or how to be involved, email our HAPC Team or call 4708 8100.

Watch the videos below for these important initiatives.

Health Connectors

Connector Points