Local community groups can apply for grants of up to $10,000 for projects that promote health and wellbeing and reduce the risk of loneliness and social isolation under the Doing It Differently (DID) Grants Program.
Georges River Council has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with South Eastern Sydney Local Health District (SESLHD) and Calvary Health Care Kogarah to support the grants program.
Georges River Council mayor Kevin Greene said that the partnership will help to facilitate new and innovative social support pathways for members of the local community.
He described the Doing It Differently Grants Program as a fantastic initiative which for the past two years has facilitated opportunities for people to connect, feel a sense of belonging, and develop new skills.
"By engaging with different community groups in the program, we hope to positively impact thousands of local residents and encourage long-lasting social change in our community," Councillor Greene said.
"If you are interested in applying for a grant, I strongly encourage you to attend one of the three upcoming local information sessions to ensure you are well-prepared for the application process," he said
The Georges River area is home to a higher proportion of older age groups (60+ years), carers (32 per cent), people born overseas (44.8 per cent) and people from non-English backgrounds (42 per cent), all groups which may be at higher risk of experiencing feelings of isolation.
The rising rate of loneliness and its link to poor health and wellbeing is increasingly being acknowledged as an epidemic, where people affected are at a greater risk of cardiovascular disease, dementia, depression, anxiety and premature death.
Julie Dixon, Director, Planning Population Health and Equity, SESLHD said the
District is looking forward to supporting Georges River residents to improve social wellbeing, through the new partnership with the council.
"The focus of the Doing It Differently initiative is to build on the strengths and resources that already exist in the community to generate positive health outcomes," Ms Dixon said.
"The local community have the assets and hold the solutions to address what matters to them. Alongside healthcare professionals, the community is an active and equal partner to improving mental wellbeing by delivering activities that connect people and help build resilience," she said.
Free Information Sessions"
Information Session 1
Date: Wednesday 3 July 2019
Time: 5.30pm-7.30pm
Address: Mortdale Community Centre, 2b Boundary Road, Mortdale.
Information Session 2
Date: Friday 5 July 2019
Time: 11am-1pm
Address: Georges River Civic Centre, corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville.
Information Session 3
Date: Friday 5 July 2019
Time: 2pm-4pm
Address: Georges River Civic Centre, Corner MacMahon and Dora Streets, Hurstville
Asset Based Community Development workshop
Come along to a free full-day workshop, to learn how to apply the ABCD approach
to make your project idea happen.
Date: Thursday 25 July 2019
Time: 9.30am-4.30pm
Address: Booth Saunders Pavilion, Hurstville Oval.
Bookings: To confirm your place at any of the above events please visit