Social Isolation and Loneliness
Project News
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COTA Queensland recommendations to Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry
COTA Queensland’s submission was sent to Queensland Parliament 18 August. A copy of our submission is available here.
The Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into Social Isolation and Loneliness received a total of 179 submissions. The Community Support and Services Committee met 30 August 2021 for a public briefing. A transcript of the proceedings is available here.
A summary of COTA Queensland's recommendations regarding social isolation and loneliness is below.
In light of the current global and Australian evidence, and the issues identified around social isolation and loneliness for Queenslanders, we strongly recommend the inclusion of an age-friendly framework which is also informed by the World Health Organisation's (WHO’s) Decade of Healthy Ageing strategy regarding social isolation and loneliness.
To the Inquiry, we presented five key recommendations (along with examples of opportunities for action):
1. To address the community and societal factors that contribute to social isolation and loneliness the Queensland Government strengthens its approach to achieving age-friendly communities.
2. In consultation with Queensland communities and stakeholders develop and implement a range of interventions that would most effectively assist those impacted by social isolation and loneliness.
3. Peak bodies such as COTA Queensland to collaborate with independent organisations and committees to better elevate the knowledge around effective interventions. The overall responsibility for the development and delivery of enhanced existing interventions or new interventions to be assigned to appropriate organisations.
4. Ensure the provision of program funding that reflects the scope and importance of the intervention work.
5. Establish a Taskforce comprised of representatives of the three levels of government, the community and health sectors to coordinate a whole of community response to social isolation and loneliness.
Detailed recommendations and opportunities are provided in the complete submission.
Thank you for your survey responses and ideas wall contributions to the date.
A friendly reminder that the Social Isolation and Loneliness Community Hub will remain open for 2021, and we encourage people to share this link with their friends, colleagues and peers as we are keen to continue to expand our understanding of social isolation and loneliness in all-age communities in Queensland.
Category : Project updatesCreated On : 31 August 2021
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FAQS
No. We work with all representatives and parties to promote positive outcomes for Queenslanders. We are not affiliated with any political party.
We use a range of sources to inform our submissions to Queensland Parliament. They include the things you have told us during our ongoing consultations, surveys, and in feedback on our programs. We also draw on research evidence, what we hear through collaborative work with other community organisations and the many committees, forums, and advisory groups we attend as well as policy and practice developments around Australia and the world to help us stay on top of the latest ideas.
Your voice matters! All the comments, concerns, and suggestions gathered through the survey and ideas wall will be collected and analysed to help inform the Social Isolation and Loneliness submission to Queensland Parliament.
Your contribution may also assist us in assessing future priorities and shaping future recommendations to local and state government. We will look at your contributions alongside all our other data to make sure we are as informed as we can be about the issues.
If something is not included in our final submission, it will still be used to inform our ongoing advocacy work with the Queensland Government.
We have been a trusted voice for Queenslanders for over 60 years. We are known by political parties and Government officials as an independent source of knowledge and ideas around issues affecting older people.
One of the ways we have been able to do this is by engaging with and advocating for the diverse voices of older Queenslanders and their communities. Your contribution is a vital part of that.
Your personal information, including email address, is only collected when you elect to participate in an online consultation or submit an online form.
Only COTA Queensland has access to your personal information and any data/comments collected.
Read our Privacy Statement for more information.
All information collected in the hub is stored in a secure data centred located in Sydney, Australia. Physical, technical and administrative systems and processes are in place to safeguard your data and personal information.
Your information is held confidentially by us, COTA Queensland, and is not shared with, transferred or sold to other parties, without your explicit consent unless we are required to by law.
Read our Privacy Statement for more information.
Your ‘Screen Name’, ‘Avatar’ and ‘Comments’ will be publicly displayed if you choose to participate in our:
- Online Forum
- Interactive Mapping
- Ideas Wall
- Interactive Document
Your survey submissions are not publicly displayed.
You can seek access and correct your personal information by contacting us on 07 3316 2999 or by emailing info@cotaqld.org.au.
Resources
- Loneliness and isolation - Lifeline
- Resources - Beyond Blue
- Avoiding social isolation - Queensland Government
- Staying connected in your community - Queensland Government
- Social isolation and loneliness - COTA Queensland resource
- Isolation, loneliness and mental health - COTA Queensland resource
- The State of the (Older) Nation report - COTA Australia
- Social isolation and loneliness among older people - Advocacy brief - World Health Organisation
- Social isolation and loneliness inquiry - Queensland Parliament