Older Victorians living in public sector residential aged care services will be able to get more involved in their local community thanks to a $480,000 Brumby Government funding boost.
Member for Western Victoria, Gayle Tierney MP today announced 20 organisations across Victoria to receive funding as part of the Count us in! Social Inclusion for Older People Living in Public Sector Residential Aged Care Services 2008–09 Initiative.
“The Brumby Government is taking action to help people better connect with their families and neighbourhoods, and to strengthen community connections,’’ Ms Tierney said.
“The Government will deliver $480,000 to this initiative that will support older people to remain involved in their communities and hobbies.
“Lorne Community Hospital will receive $28,000 to run the Lorne Community Hospital Count Us In project.
“And the SkillsConnection Group in Lorne will receive $10,000 to run a mentor program providing information, education and support to two mentors in the 2008/09 initiative.
“The Lorne Community Hospital Count Us In project will provide opportunities for social inclusion, strengthen community networks and develop a community volunteer program,” Ms Tierney said.
Minister for Senior Victorians, Lisa Neville said grants will go to projects that empower seniors to maintain and strengthen their interests, community connections and engagement with their family, friends, social groups and clubs.
“Projects funded include supporting seniors from culturally diverse backgrounds to intergenerational programs such as playgroups in aged care facilities and ‘buddying up’ programs with primary and secondary schools students,” she said.
“The Count us in! initiative is also raising awareness of the benefits of social inclusion and promoting positive community attitudes towards senior Victorians.”
Ms Neville said through this funding boost, aged care residents will have even more access to vital social inclusion opportunities.
“These opportunities will greatly improve the health and well-being of aged care residents through increased community engagement,” she said.
Ms Tierney said improving social inclusion for Victorian seniors was a shared community responsibility.
“The Brumby Government is committed to supporting local community partnerships and strengthening workforce and community capacity through the Count us in! initiative to provide meaningful social inclusion opportunities for senior Victorians,” she said.