SUTHERLAND SENIORS GET ACTIVE IN THE COMMUNITY

Local seniors will be supported to remain active and engaged in the community through two innovative projects being funded by the NSW Government in the Sutherland Shire.

The Ring o‘Roses project has received $24,500 through the Liveable Communities Grants program. Ring o’Roses aims to reduce social isolation experienced by older people and people with disability. The Ring O’Roses team, comprising people with disability, support workers and older volunteers, will collect unused flower arrangements and these will then be delivered to aged care facilities.

Ring o’Roses was a good example of the unique projects supported by the Liveable Communities Grants program.

Programs like these make the Shire a more inclusive, accessible and enjoyable place to live in later life.

In addition, Sutherland Shire Council has received $60,000 for The Loneliness Project, which will see volunteers visit older people and spend time building connections with them. Sutherland Shire Council will work with community partners BeConnected Community Services Inc., 3Bridges Community, and Gymea Community Aid and Information services to create these programs and to reach seniors so they can participate in these programs.

This project will promote wellness and wellbeing for older people through active participation and enhancing social networks.

The NSW Government is supporting projects like these so residents are supported to stay engaged with friends, family and the wider local community as they grow older.

Both projects have secured funding through Round Three of the NSW Government’s Liveable Communities Grants, with 25 programs receiving a share of $1.2 million this year.