The NSW Government has unveiled a $3.6 million three-year pilot program aimed at better integrating social and wellbeing support for older people and their unpaid carers.
The Connecting Seniors and Carers Program builds on the foundations of the Government’s Connecting Seniors Grant Program, with broader support to cover carers of older people.
Service features include linking older people and their carers to local services designed to support wellbeing, independence, and community connection.
Under the new program, four local organisations will operate as ‘community connectors’ linking older people and their carers to vital services and community groups across 16 Local Government Areas in regional NSW.
The organisations are:
- Maari Ma Health Aboriginal Corporation (servicing Balranald, Broken Hill, Central Darling and Wentworth LGAs);
- CareWays Community (servicing Kiama, Shellharbour, Shoalhaven and Wollongong LGAs);
- Springwood Neighbourhood Centre Cooperative (servicing Blue Mountains and Lithgow LGAs);
- Northern Rivers Community Gateway Incorporated (servicing Ballina, Clarence Valley, Kyogle, Lismore, Richmond Valley and Tweed LGAs).
As part of the program, carers and seniors will benefit from access to wraparound support including:
- Information, education and advice;
- Needs assessment;
- Outreach and engagement;
- Short-term case planning and coordination;
- Outbound referrals to My Aged Care, Carers Gateway or NDIS.
All organisations were selected through a targeted tender process which assessed their experience and capacity to deliver on the appropriate service model.
“We know older people and their carers often report barriers to accessing the support they need,” said Minister for Seniors, Jodie Harrison.
“That’s why the Minns Labor Government is delivering the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program designed to provide simpler and clearer pathways to support for those who need it most.
“The four organisations funded through this new program have strong local service footprints and are well placed to empower seniors and carers to remain connected to the communities they know and love.”
Further information on the Connecting Seniors and Carers Program can be found here: https://dcj.nsw.gov.au/community-inclusion/seniors/ageing-well-in-nsw-seniors-strategy-2021-2031/events-and-projects/connecting-seniors-and-carers-program.html.
