A group to support social connection, reduce exclusion and promote mental wellbeing in Greater Geelong is being formed in response to the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System.
Community members are being invited to put their hand up to help look into the drivers of loneliness and isolation and how best to overcome them at a community level.
Funded by the Victorian government the Social Inclusion Action Group will identify local needs, review existing initiatives, and address gaps related to social inclusion. Members will support and test initiatives that prevent exclusion and encourage participation within the community.
Decisions on how funding from the Social Inclusion Investment Fund will be spent will be made by the action group, allowing members to take ownership of activities and priorities.
City of Greater Geelong is seeking people who will reflect Geelong’s diversity, including people with lived or living experience of mental ill-health, addiction, social exclusion, isolation or discrimination.
The group will also prioritise membership for people from backgrounds at a greater risk of experiencing loneliness and social isolation, including people with disability, those from the LGBTIQA+ community, people from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, young people, carers, single parents and older adults.
“Members of the Geelong Social Inclusion Action Group will receive training and development opportunities, while having their say on community projects that increase inclusion and connection,” Health portfolio chair Cr Rowan Story said.
“We want to help facilitate local solutions for our local community, who face different challenges and issues than residents in Melbourne or other regional areas.”
There are a number of ways to put forward an Expression of Interest before July 31, such as filling out our survey at yoursay.geelongaustralia.com.au/EOI-SIAG or attending our in-person meet and greets at a number of libraries and neighbourhood and community houses throughout July. Keep an eye out for dates and times on the Have Your Say page or hit ‘Follow’ to receive updates.
Members will be reimbursed for their participation and can receive support with accessibility, childcare and transport to fortnightly meetings (moving to monthly from December).
