We are working toward Compassionate Communities in our region.
What is a Compassionate Community?
A Compassionate Community is one where the community works together and understands that caring for one another through the ageing journey is not a task solely for health and social services. The more people who know about the support available in our community, the more we can all support each other.
Compassionate Communities are communities in which everyday people play a vital role in the care and support of people as they age and at end-of-life. It is a globally recognised approach to improving the end-of-life experience for people by mobilising local networks, groups and services to be more conscious, aware and equipped to offer support. This approach is active internationally and was founded by Dr Alan Kellerhear. We established this approach initially in the Blue Mountains as part of improving informal supports for end-of-life care and expanded to the Hawkesbury area for the older people identified as being socially isolated and lonely.
Compassionate Communities work is relatively new in Australia. It seeks to transform how and where we care for each other in times of need. One of the principles of Compassionate Communities is that older people with strong connections have improved physical and mental health compared to those who are socially isolated and experiencing loneliness.
Use the arrows below to learn more about our social connection programs and services.
TheMy Health Connector websiteis 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.
More information
Contact our Healthy Ageing Team via email or by calling 4708 8100.
