Keeping seniors connected as COVID restrictions lift

Seniors facing social isolation are the focus of a fast-tracked $600,000 funding boost by the NSW Government, as COVID restrictions begin to ease.
 
Minister for Seniors Natalie Ward said Round Two of the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grant Program will fund community groups to provide activities which keep older people active and engaged.
 
“We’ve brought this program forward from next June because it’s clear seniors have been through an incredibly difficult time during COVID,” Mrs Ward said.
 
“Now that restrictions are starting to ease it’s important our seniors re-establish meaningful connections as soon as possible.
 
“Community links can be a lifeline, in particular for older people who might live alone or be isolated from their family or friends.”
 
Previous funding recipients included a gardening club, Aboriginal elder organisations providing one-on-one support, online dance groups and home-delivered craft kits.
 
Grants of up to $60,000 will go towards new and existing programs that promote seniors’ social inclusion. Projects must have a COVID-safe plan and run until December 2022.
Social inclusion is a key priority of the Ageing Well in NSW: Seniors Strategy 2021-2031.
 
Applications for the Reducing Social Isolation for Seniors Grant Program open today and close on Monday, 15 November.
 
For more information and to apply, see: facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/seniors