Workshop to target elderly isolation
Age Concern Nelson Tasman hopes a planned public workshop will help identify ways to tackle social isolation and loneliness that affect many members of the older population.
About 75 per cent of respondents to an Age Concern members’ survey at the end of 2016 mentioned loneliness or isolation as a ‘‘main issue’’ – the most common concern they highlighted.
With support from Nelson City Council and Tasman District Council, Age Concern Nelson Tasman plans a free public workshop in early May to encourage ‘‘local conversations’’ on how those issues can be addressed
Age Concern Nelson Tasman manager Sue Tilby said it was important people were asked for their input.
‘‘We want to hear from people out there already doing their bit for their community or who would like to get more involved in some way,’’ Tilby said.
‘‘Perhaps they have recently moved to the area and they want to meet new people or they have recently retired from fulltime work and have more time on their hands to get involved in some voluntary work.’’
Age Concern already had a volunteer visiting service that helped provide company to about 80 people every week ‘‘but this isn’t a service that suits everyone’’.
‘‘There is no one-size-fits-all to tackling these issues and we want to explore fresh and innovative ideas,’’ Tilby said.
‘‘There are many no-cost and low-cost solutions we could come up with as a community.’’
Part of the conversation would be around identifying the barriers to social inclusion.
‘‘Why do people feel isolated and lonely in the first place and what prevents them from taking part in things or getting out and about more often.
‘‘If it’s transport that’s the issue, then how can we solve that problem and get people to where they want to be?
‘‘Those are the kinds of issues we’ll be looking at,’’ she said.
The workshop, to be facilitated by Professor Bevan Grant, of the University of Waikato, would give people the chance to discuss ways forward.
It is scheduled to be held on Tuesday, May 2, from 10am to noon in Saxton Oval Pavilion at Stoke.
Anyone wanting more information can contact Caroline at Age Concern on 544 7624 or email support@ageconcernnt.org.nz.