Service Summary | Improving Social Connections of Older Australians Project
Published:
Location:
Blue Mountains Hawkesbury, Lithgow, PenrithService Status:
OngoingBrief Summary:
The Improving Social Connections of Older Australians Project is involves health connectors, community connectors and community connector points.
2019-2021
In 2019, the Social Connectedness of Older People in the Hawkesbury pilot project held three Community Workshops in targeted areas of the region. Over one hundred professionals, volunteers and community members participated. As a result of the workshop outcomes and committee guidance, three strategies were developed: 1. Training of practice nurses in general practice to become Health Connectors 2. Establishment and training for Community Connectors and Community Connector Points 3. Development and promotion of Website Directory – MyHealthConnector.com.au
The Improving Social Connections of Older Australians Project involved health connectors, community connectors and community connector points. The report can be found here
2022-present
With further funding from the Commonwealth Department of Health, Disability and Ageing we expanded health connectors and connectors points to other areas. In 2024 we commissioned two community organisations to provide a linker role that we call Wellbeing Connector. In 2025 an evaluation of the Health Connectors, Wellbeing Connectors and Connector Points was conducted and can be found here.
In 2025 Community pharmacies were included as a connector. We also engaged a consultant pharmacist to have conversations with identified patients following a home medicine review.
Our Connectors are based on Compassionate Communities model where the community works together and understands that caring for one another through the ageing journey is not a task solely for health and social services. The more people who know about the support available in our community, the more we can all support each other.
The connectors use social prescribing. This is the activity, where professionals, including GPs, link patients with non-clinical services, social groups or activities. It can be used to address a range of health issues, including chronic physical and mental health conditions, loneliness and social isolation. It includes physical activity programs (walking groups, group exercise programs, online exercises), arts and recreational activities (book clubs, bird watching, music programs),volunteering opportunities and social activities (Men’s Sheds, coffee clubs). A GP may, for example, suggest a patient to join a local walking group to enjoy the benefits of exercise and interaction. Other terms used to refer to social prescribing are green script or community referral.
My Health Connector Website The My Health Connector website is a free online directory to help people improve their social connections and lifestyle supports. The directory provides information about local health and community services available to support people living in our region. My Health Connector can be used by both services and community members. It can also be used as a resource for connectors to promote services available in the Blue Mountains, Hawkesbury, Lithgow and Penrith areas.
The Compassionate Communities model now consists of the following:
Health Connectors Health Connectors are specially trained practice nurses who work with patients and carers. They help people to develop their social support networks, especially those people who are vulnerable and at risk of ‘falling through the cracks’. Practices across our region offer this free service. Health Connectors can be found on the My Health Connector online directory.
Community Connectors Community Connectors are members of the general population who know what services are available in the community and can share that information with people who ask for assistance. Training is provided to support the community connectors be confident to have conversations to stay connected however it is not a volunteer role. Community Connectors can be of any background or profession – neighbours, volunteers, taxi drivers, baristas, retail workers. Anyone who has contact with older people and an interest in helping older people can be involved. They can use the My Health Connector directory as a resource to assist people.
Community Connector Points Identified community organisations can provide face-to-face or telephone assistance for improving social connections and reducing social isolation of older people in the region, particularly those without internet access. Connector points are found on the My Health Connector online directory.
Pharmacy Connector Points
Pharmacists often get to know their patients over many years and are in an ideal position to assist patients to stay connected. The pharmacy Connector Points undertake training called
Pharmacists Addressing Loneliness and Social Isolation (PALS) by the Pharmaceutical Society Australia (PSA). Through this initiative, pharmacists have conversations connecting patients with services, social groups or lifestyle activities. Pharmacy Connectors can be found on the My Health Connector website.
Wellbeing Connectors
Wellbeing Connectors provide free support to connect older adults with social or lifestyle activities in their community. Connector services are locally based and can be provided in person, over the phone, online or home visit. They can support a client for a longer period of time than other connectors and can attend an activity with the client to build their confidence. A Wellbeing Connector can be found by searching ‘Wellbeing Connector’ in the My Health Connector online directory.
Intergenerational Connections
Intergenerational Programs bring together older adults from the community and residents of independent living with children aged between 3 and 5 years for group-based interactions. The programs support older adults to live at home for longer by improving their social and physical wellbeing through activities that foster meaningful engagement between the generations. The summary evaluation report can be found here
Further information at https://www.nbmphn.com.au/Health-Professionals/Services/Older-Persons-Health/Compassionate-Communities/Social-Connectedness
Who is this for?
Older people aged over 65 years and over 55 years for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in the community.
Results/Outcomes:
From the evaluation report in 2022 Patient Experience Surveys showed they had improved well-being, were less lonely and more connected. As a result, they were more willing to join activities. This was despite showing no significant difference post intervention in some measures such as a loneliness and self-rated health.
The 2025 evaluation report provided more evidence showing the value of connections. The majority of both Wellbeing Connectors and Health Connectors clients who attended the recommended activity maintained or improved their wellbeing.