Seniors in Wingecarribee Shire Council areas can look forward to having more opportunities to get social and make new friends thanks to a NSW Government initiative to combat isolation.
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Member for Wollondilly, Nathaniel Smith MP said applications are now open for the Seniors Staying Social Grants Program with $600,000 in one-off grants for locally driven projects that promote social inclusion for older people.
Mr. Smith welcomed the announcement by the NSW Government in looking to support projects that help older people connect with each other and enable them to develop quality relationships.
"Funding could go towards enhancing an existing program, expanding a program to suit a wider audience or creating new programs to combat social isolation," Mr Smith said.
"There are so many health benefits to social interaction and we want our senior citizens to be involved with our community with even more activities on offer for them to enjoy.
"We want to provide more opportunities for our seniors to get out of the house and try new activities while having great conversations with people they have never met before.
"Loneliness and social isolation can have adverse effects on our senior's mental health so we are looking to fund programs which foster inclusion and encourage positive social outcomes for people over 65.
"Our seniors can make new friends while trying out activities for the first time which can challenge their minds while helping them stay fit and healthy.
Social inclusion is a key priority of the NSW Ageing Strategy and is part of the NSW Government's key commitment to meet the needs of our ageing population.
Applications close on 19 April 2020. For more information: www.facs.nsw.gov.au/inclusion/seniors/seniorsstayingsocial
