Seniors Social Isolation Prevention Hub

Question: What activities and projects am I funded to deliver under the Queensland Government's Older People Investment Specification?

Answer: Funded organisations across the state must deliver a range of projects focusing on increasing older people’s awareness of healthy lifestyle options, reducing social isolation and improving links with other agencies and their community. Funded organisations must also provide activities and opportunities to extend and strengthen personal and community connectedness and to reduce social isolation, including older men, with the aim to decrease the risk of depression and suicide.

For more information visit: Older People Investment Specification.  Note! This document opens in a new window. 

Question: Who is eligible to participate in the Seniors Social Isolation (SSI) Program in Queensland, and which groups should funded organisations prioritise?

Answer: The SSI Program in Queensland supports older people aged 60 and over and First Nations peoples aged 50 and over, who are experiencing or at risk of social isolation. Funded services may include social, physical, or activity-based programs, as well as information, referral, and volunteering opportunities in the local community. 

Organisations may also attract participants aged 50+ from diverse cultural backgrounds and should prioritise supporting those at higher risk of social isolation, including:

• Older people 75+

• First Nations peoples 50+

• Culturally and linguistically diverse seniors

• Newly arrived senior migrants and refugees

• Seniors with disability

• Unpaid senior carers

• Older people identifying as LGBTIQA+

• Seniors experiencing or who have experienced domestic/family violence

• Seniors experiencing financial disadvantage

• Seniors with poorer physical or mental health

• Seniors who have been incarcerated

Funded organisations should actively advertise, engage, and provide services to older people, especially those in higher-risk groups. If capacity allows, services may also accommodate others in adjacent age groups who are at risk of social isolation.

Other programs such as Communities Innovation Fund: Responses to Social Isolation and Loneliness, Coast City Council’s Active and Healthy Ageing Program) target different cohorts and are not directly aligned with this program.

As a best practice, funded organisations should have access to appropriate referrals within their local area.

Question: How does an organisation move from being a general charity to PBI (Prescribed Body Corporate) status?

Answer:  

A registered charity is an organisation officially recognised by the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission (ACNC) for charitable purposes, which can include education, health, relief of poverty, and other public benefits.

A Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) is a specific type of charity that provides direct relief to people in need, such as through welfare, health, or community services. PBIs are eligible for certain tax concessions, like Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) status for donations.

If an organisation used to be registered as a PBI, it means it was previously recognised as providing direct benevolent services, but may now operate under a different charitable structure or focus while still being a registered charity.

For more information visit: Guidance and tools | ACNC

Question:  How can we effectively manage volunteer expectations so volunteers feel supported, clear about their role, and more likely to stay engaged?

Answer: A good starting point is clear communication and good role design. Before a volunteer starts, provide a detailed role description that outlines key responsibilities, time commitments, and what support they’ll receive. This helps volunteers know what’s expected and what they can expect from your organisation. During onboarding, take time to walk them through the role, introduce them to team members, and explain how their work fits the mission; this builds confidence and reduces misunderstandings. It’s also important to check in regularly with volunteers. Ask how they’re going, clarify anything that’s unclear, and adjust tasks or support as needed.

This ongoing dialogue reinforces that the organisation values their contribution and helps you understand and respond to their expectations.

Aligning your practices with the National Standards for Volunteer Involvement, such as providing support and development and ensuring roles are meaningful — creates a positive volunteer experience overall.