Fleurieu and KI residents at risk of social isolation will receive targeted support to make and strengthen their social and community connections, under a new state government program.

Following extensive consultation with the community services sector, the government will focus its efforts on assisting people who are disconnected to build social networks and community connections to help gain independence.

The Community Connections program will link isolated adults with the right connections at the right time to improve individual mental health, independence, quality of life and overall health outcomes.

The state budget committed $41.7 million over the next two years to fund 12 weeks of targeted support to those who need a little extra help to live full and independent lives.

Community Connections will be delivered across metropolitan and regional South Australia by 16 of not-for-profit organisations selected by competitive tender.

The state government will also partner with regional local health networks, Aboriginal community-controlled organisations, community passenger networks and carer support organisations to deliver services.

Minister for Human Services Michelle Lensink says a short-term dose of extra help would reap long term benefits to individual mental health, wellbeing and independence.

“There is strong evidence that social inclusion – having supportive relationships with people and groups outside the home – is linked to improved quality of life and better health outcomes,” she says.

“Support provided will take many forms and could be as simple as helping somebody join their local library, transporting or accompanying them to activities outside the home to build their own social skills, or providing in-home help while they regain their independence.

“Through this program, trained and dedicated staff will work to the specific needs of each client to leave them better-off, more capable and less likely to require government support in the future.”

Community Connections sits alongside federal reforms including the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS), My Aged Care and National Carer Gateway, which serve an important purpose in providing ongoing support for vulnerable South Australians.

“We know there are many hidden South Australians who don’t qualify for national schemes but need a little bit of extra help to get back on track or reconnect within their communities – and this is the cohort we’re targeting,” Minister Lensink says.

“We’re proud that this program was designed hand-in-hand with leading sector organisations across South Australia, who are experts in community services and have first-hand understanding of the kinds of help people need to get back on their feet.”

Minister Lensink says the government will measure outcomes from the new services and work with providers to adjust the program as needed.

Image by Gioele Fazzeri from Pixabay