COTA Queensland’s Safe and Confident Living – Inner Brisbane Project involves a range of activities focused on promoting the wellbeing, social participation and safety of a diverse range of older residents in inner Brisbane.

Funded by the Department of Communities (Queensland Government) this project is designed to increase the social participation and quality of life of vulnerable older people by linking them with other groups and networks in their communities. Social isolation can adversely affect mental and physical health and may cause deterioration of a person’s sense of confidence and security.

The project coordinates and resources a range of activities and events to:

• refer and link older people to services and supports within their local community
• enhance older peoples’ life skills, participation and confidence in community living and security
• help people access accurate information on personal safety, crime and crime prevention strategies

To support this project we work in partnership with a range of community organisations, networks and government agencies including:

• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and community organisations in Brisbane
• African Seniors Community of Australia Reference Group
• Brisbane City Council
• Lady Musgrave Trust, Women and Homelessness Working Group
• Queensland Police Service Seniors Task Force
• QAHC (Queensland Association for Healthy Communities), LGBTI Ageing Action Plan
• South West Brisbane flood network.

If you are interested to find out more about projects that enhance participants’ sense of community living and security, please click on the links below for practical information.

• Senior and Safer – Practical tips for a safer home
• Confident, Safe and Secure Living in Queensland – A Handbook on Safety for Seniors
• http://www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/information-for/seniors

For further general information on COTA Queensland’s Safe and Confident Living program, please email laraine.hinds@cotaqld.org.au