Amazing outcomes as ‘Community Links’ flourish

PLASE NOTE: We are no longer accepting referrals for the Community Links Program (CLP) and the program is closing effective 30 June 2022.

Like 1 in 10 Australians[1], Garth was feeling lonely and isolated.

Since 2005, people like Garth experiencing isolation due to illness, age or disability, have been reconnecting to their communities through our Community Links program (CLP).

CLP provides one-on-one support at home and in the community, helping re-connect people with social and recreational activities. This work is life-giving; boosting physical and mental health outcomes and wellbeing for participants.

One of the ways that this has been achieved has been through partnerships with organisations such as Trees For Life. Over the past 3 years, CLP participants have been connected into the Regenerate program, enjoying fresh air, sunshine and gentle exercise while contributing over 1000 valuable hours to bush regeneration and propagating and planting seedlings.

“I wasn’t feeling great so I wasn’t going to go, but when I went along and it was good, I was so glad I joined in because it was great to be outdoors and doing something useful in the environment,” Garth recalls.

The successful partnership has seen some amazing outcomes for our clients, who have self-reported a 50% increase in their ability to self-manage their health, a 49% increase in social connectedness, a 43% increase in community participation and a 58% increase in their mental health and well-being.

Although the Regenerate program is not available to our clients for the time being due to Trees For Life funding restrictions, CLP continues to work innovatively together with participants; assisting them to pursue their interests and passions, and increase independence.

For more information, contact (08) 8322 9255 or email [email protected]

[1] Relationships Australia 2018.