Connect Local: empowering older people through social connections

A Victorian initiative is improving the wellbeing of isolated older people through a new social prescribing model. 

Connect Local, launched by Bolton Clarke Research Institute, is a community-based social connection model that was first introduced in Melbourne's Glen Eira earlier this year.

The team worked with local clinicians and service providers to link locals with social activities to relieve loneliness and improve their mental health.

"Physical wellbeing is only important insofar as it enables individuals to pursue activities that matter to them and remain connected," Senior researcher at Bolton Clarke Research Institute, Dr Rajna Ogrin, said.

"Social connection through social prescribing is one way of addressing these non-medical needs that can affect people's wellbeing."

Connect Local's primary goal is to foster meaningful connections that lead to positive outcomes, such as fewer depressive symptoms and preventable hospitalisations.

Under the program, team members engage with locals to understand their social priorities and identify opportunities within the local community. 

Then, the team sets up personalised engagement plans with the community members to guide and provide support.

"We recognised the importance of having a welcoming person to ease newcomers into the program and create a sense of belonging," Dr Ogrin said.

"We hope to ensure early inclusion and prevent people from feeling isolated or left out.

"The team is committed to addressing any potential negatives and finding solutions early on."

Research has linked loneliness to a higher risk of heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes, mental health conditions, and premature death.

Living alone, relocating, health issues, socioeconomic status, and physical limitations can impact anyone's ability to connect with others. 

Other challenges, such as living remotely or limited access to transportation, can also hinder social interactions.

Older people are especially vulnerable to loneliness due to the increased likelihood of chronic diseases and reduced physical mobility.

Dr Ogrin said the health sector is becoming more aware in recognising the significant impact of loneliness on the wellbeing of community members.

"It's now understood as an important consideration in healthcare discussions with patients," she said.

The project was inspired by the United Kingdom, which has been actively addressing social connections in communities for over 20 years.

Dr Ogrin visited one of the Health Connections Mendip programs in Somerset before the Covid-19 pandemic hit.

Over five years, the British program built up a social ecosystem with trained nurses and clinicians to support the social wellbeing of locals.

While the program has been very successful, Dr Ogrin emphasised that the UK's approach does not necessarily translate to Australia.

"The UK is very different from Australia," she said.

"So, we took our knowledge and asked healthcare professionals and locals what they thought would best meet the community's needs."

They received funding from The Ian Potter Foundation, which offers grants to charitable organisations working to benefit the community.

While the project only started earlier this year, Dr Ogrin said they received many positive responses.

"Their heartfelt testimonial and sparkle in their eyes make you want to be part of this kind of work," Dr Ogrin said.

"It's truly heartening to see the project is making such a positive difference, especially considering we have only been operating for a short time."

Glen Eira resident John Gibson was one of the first to contact Dr Ogrin.

Mr Gibson lost his wife six months ago after a long illness where he cared for her.

"After she died, I was lost," he said.

"I didn't have a clue what to do.

"I went for days without speaking to anyone – I was quite lonely."

One day, he opened the local newspaper and spotted an advertisement for Connect Local.

I thought I'd fill in the form online and see what happens, Mr Gibson said.

"I got a phone call the next day, and they brought me in touch with people again."

Loraine Fabb called the project team after the pandemic left her bored and lonely.

Now, she's following an Indian cooking class and is considering setting up an acting class.

"I always think of myself as strong and independent," Ms Fabb said.

"But Covid was very tough, devastating even. I was alone, and I felt it.

"It's a matter of feeling wanted and having a place – now, I have a purpose again."

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