Social Isolation Prevention Peak
Supporting seniors to stay connected, reduce isolation, and improve wellbeing while strengthening links with community.
10-30%
of seniors in high-income countries, including Australia, report social isolation
5.4%
of seniors in Queensland often feel lonely, with barriers like lack of time (68%) hindering communication
51%
of Queensland seniors participate in local activities, while 52% cite family or work commitments as reasons for non-participation
65+
adults are at higher risk of social isolation and loneliness, highlighting the need for targeted interventions
Our Approach
Council on the Ageing Queensland established a statewide separate Seniors Social Isolation (SSI) peak body in October 2024 to align resources and objectives among funded Seniors Social Isolation organisations.
This Queensland Government funded initiative aims to strengthen the work of 60+ seniors social isolation organisations through enhancing service delivery, reduce social isolation, and increasing meaningful community engagement for older adults.
Together, we strive to foster inclusivity and recognise the value of older people.
Our Plan
We work collaboratively with social isolation prevention organisations in Queensland to ensure services are cohesive, targeted and effective.
Our focus includes:
1. Capacity Building
- Fostering collaboration and knowledge sharing through the Seniors Social Isolation Community of Practice – a Community of Practice is a group of people who share a common concern, a set of problems, or an interest in a topic and come together to fulfill individual and group goals by sharing best practice
- Generating opportunities and partnerships for innovation to better meet local community need.
2. Sharing Information
- Establishing an online Seniors Social Isolation knowledge centre
- Developing a well-informed network through proactive communication, engagement and professional development.
3. Research
- Using surveys and case studies to be informed and up to date on community needs
- Fostering research partnerships to understand our social impact and refine future approaches.
Resources
- Staying connected in your community | Seniors | Queensland Government
- Ending Loneliness Together – Imagine a world where everyone feels a sense of connection and belonging
- Ending Loneliness Together national online Directory helps to find groups, organisations and services that will help you, or someone you know, connect with others and build meaningful relationships. Search – Ending Loneliness Together
- Ending Loneliness Together also has information about social connection programs for seniors Resources – Ending Loneliness Together
Organisation Showcase
Community organisations offer great opportunities to stay connected with your community as you age. Here are some organisations who help prevent social isolation.
TOMNET (The Older Men’s Network Inc.) Toowoomba
TOMNET is dedicated to creating a space where older men can find a renewed sense of purpose in retirement through strong connections and meaningful activities.
Helping to reduce social isolation, TOMNET provides opportunities to stay active, form lasting friendships and maintain a sense of belonging by fostering a community built on mateship.
Volunteering with TOMNET is more than just giving time, it’s about bringing people together and gaining a sense of fulfilment and purpose by making a difference to others.
Whether it’s mentoring young people in schools or childcare centres, supporting older men in aged care, helping at community barbecues, or simply lending a listening ear, TOMNET volunteers play a vital role in strengthening communities.
Angus and Ken discovered that through volunteering, social events and shared activities, retirement is a time not just for rest, but for new adventures and friendships.
Read their stories here.
Angus
The Older Men’s Network caught my attention when I retired because of the diverse opportunities it offered to get involved in the community.
My volunteering journey with TOMNET began at a local school, where three times a week I helped refugee students improve their English and language skills, a program that TOMNET proudly supports.
I feel truly privileged to be part of their lives and to contribute, even in small ways, to their learning and growth helping to expand their horizons.
Through TOMNET, I discovered my passion for supporting youth through volunteer work.
With time and experience, I now have the privilege of mentoring disadvantaged youth at the Flexi School here in Toowoomba. Making a difference in these young people’s lives is incredibly rewarding, and I feel fortunate to have found these opportunities.
Apart from the reward of working with young people, I’ve also enjoyed cooking barbecues, attending meetings and connecting with many men facing similar life transitions.
Ken
Volunteering has been an incredibly fulfilling journey for me. TOMNET has given me the perfect place to put my skills to good use, and I couldn’t be more grateful.
Once a month I visit older men at two aged care facilities in Toowoomba where I cook a barbecue, share a meal and we enjoy each other’s company.
It’s always great to see the fellas, and knowing how much they appreciate the contact makes the experience even more rewarding.
I do love a good chat, so I also regularly check in on TOMNET members through regular phone calls.
Over the past 10 years, I’ve had the privilege of cooking at countless TOMNET and community barbecues. With our barbecue trailer, we can easily set up and serve, making every event a fantastic way to connect with others and give back.
Getting involved in helping others isn’t hard. I hope more people step forward to volunteer as the benefits go both ways.
Maybe one day, when I slow down, there’ll be volunteers checking in on me, sharing a chat, and making sure I’m doing okay.
For now, I’ll keep doing what I love – listening to stories, having a yarn and making a difference in the lives of other fellas.
Older Person’s Action Program (OPAP)
– Encircle, Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre
Encircle’s Older Persons Action Program (OPAP) connects and supports Seniors in the community through social and wellbeing groups, case management and brief interventions dependent on the need of the individual.
Read Bob’s story to appreciate the value older volunteers bring to their community.
Bob
Bob’s long-term dedication to volunteering at Encircle Redcliffe Neighbourhood Centre has made a positive difference to so many people’s lives.
Bob’s passion for volunteering runs deep. After losing his beloved wife a few years ago, he decided to continue the tradition they both cherished by dedicating his time to helping others.
Volunteering has brought him a sense of connection and purpose, filling the space left after retirement and the loss of his wife.
One of his most heartwarming community contributions is his role in the Connections Club. Every Thursday, Bob and a close-knit group of volunteers visit the local Child Care and Kindergarten to engage with children aged 4-5 years, just before they transition to prep school.
For many of these children who don’t have grandparents nearby, Bob represents an important older figure in their lives.
Through meaningful conversations and caring interactions, Bob helps them connect with older generations, creating bonds that will last a lifetime.
He also plays a vital role in recruiting other volunteers to the program, sharing his experiences and the value of being part of such a rewarding initiative.
Bob provides new volunteers with essential information, guiding them through the process and helping them understand the expectations and rewards of the role. His passion for the program shines through, making him a true ambassador for the program.
When he’s not helping children, Bob’s helping seniors. As a volunteer bus driver for Tarago Bus Tours, he takes seniors on outings to beautiful destinations like Montville, Maleny, and Mapleton. For just $5 per bus trip, Bob helps create a fun and inclusive experience for everyone.
Known for his resourcefulness, he even takes the trouble to find accessible venues and local restaurants offering lunch specials for seniors. He also goes the extra mile by picking up and dropping off members who may have difficulty travelling on their own and assisting those with mobility challenges when needed.
When he’s not driving the bus or helping at Connections Club, Bob enjoys assisting with BBQ lunches and participating in other centre activities.
His commitment, generosity, and warm spirit make him a wonderful role model and community ambassador. He is living proof of how older volunteers make invaluable contributions to their community.
Bob’s efforts continue to enrich the lives of both young and old, fostering relationships that bridge generations and creating lasting memories.
