Organisations across Queensland can now apply for a share of $2.5 million each year between the 2024-25 and 2028-29 financial years in grants to help build connections and support for socially isolated Queenslanders.
Organisations of all sizes that can help older Queenslanders to feel more connected, supported and active within their communities are encouraged to apply.
Funding is also available for an organisation to act as a peak body to coordinate the Seniors Social Isolation Program and provide advice to government.
Queensland’s population of older people is growing, especially in regional and rural communities.
Applications are particularly sought from organisations in places where limited services are available for older Queenslanders to improve social connections, and from community-controlled organisations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older peoples across the state.
Social isolation among older people can have a profound impact on their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. It can lower a person’s quality of life, increase feelings of loneliness and worsen existing health conditions.
Seniors social isolation services can help improve outcomes for older people by supporting them to connect with others and their communities.
The new funding is in addition to an existing $20.5 million investment over five years that currently supports 42 existing providers of Seniors Social Isolation Services across 25 Queensland local government areas.
Queensland Minister for Seniors, Charis Mullen, said that she was honoured to join older Queenslanders on the Gold Coast to see first-hand the benefits that a seniors social isolation program brings.
“I know many of the organisations that may apply will be small not-for-profit operations, often run by volunteers and well established in their communities,” Minister Mullen said.
“Giving them financial support will enable them to provide practical and crucial support for seniors at risk of experiencing social isolation.
“We value the incredible contributions older Queenslanders make to our state and their wellbeing is one of our highest priorities.”
