Grants now open to support social connections among older Queenslanders

• Organisations are invited to apply for grants that strengthen older Queenslanders social connections to each other and to their community
• A total of $12.5 million funding is available over five years from 2024–25
• Last year 79,000 older Queenslanders across 25 local government areas engaged in Senior Social Isolation Services funded programs

Applications are now open for organisations across the state to apply for a share of $2.5 million each year between 2024–25 and 2028–29 in grants aimed at preventing older Queenslanders from becoming socially isolated.

Organisations of all sizes that can help older Queenslanders to feel more connected, supported and active within their communities are encouraged to apply.

Funding is also available for an organisation to act as a peak body to coordinate the Seniors Social Isolation Program and provide advice to government.

Queensland’s population of older people is growing, especially in regional and rural communities.

Applications are particularly sought from organisations in places where limited services are available for older Queenslanders to improve social connections, and from community-controlled organisations supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander older peoples across the state.

Social isolation among older people can have a profound impact on their emotional, mental and physical wellbeing. It can lower a person’s quality of life, increase feelings of loneliness and worsen existing health conditions.

Seniors social isolation services can help improve outcomes for older people by supporting them to connect with others and their communities.

The new funding is in addition to an existing $20.5 million investment over five years that currently supports 42 existing providers of Seniors Social Isolation Services across 25 Queensland local government areas.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Seniors Charis Mullen:

“I was honoured to join older Queenslanders on the Gold Coast this month to see first-hand the benefits that a seniors social isolation program brings.

“I know many of the organisations that may apply will be small not-for-profit operations, often run by volunteers and well established in their communities.

“Giving them financial support will enable them to provide practical and crucial support for seniors at risk of experiencing social isolation.

“We value the incredible contributions older Queenslanders make to our state and their wellbeing is one of our highest priorities.”

Further information:

• Seniors Social Isolation Services are designed for older people aged 60 years and over and First Nations peoples aged 50 years and over who are experiencing or at risk of experiencing social isolation.

• There are two grant rounds:
  • $2.25 million annually between 2024–25 and 2028–29 to increase Seniors Social Isolation Services across Queensland, with applications open from 23 February 2024 to 22 March 2024
  • $250,000 annually between 2024–25 and 2028–29 to establish a peak body service to provide leadership, advice and support to Seniors Social Isolation Services, with applications open from 23 February 2024 to 15 March 2024.

• In 2022–23, Seniors Social Isolation Services engaged with approximately 79,000 older Queenslanders.
• For further information on seniors social isolation programs or to apply for a grant, visit https://www.qld.gov.au/seniors-social-isolation-grants

ENDS

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