Early interventions initiatives
Brisbane North PHN is funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care (DoHAC) to commission services that focus on early intervention initiatives that support healthy ageing and ongoing management of chronic conditions.
Early Interventions Project
Four early intervention project streams specifically address the social health determinants of isolation and loneliness for priority populations including First Nations people, culturally and linguistically diverse people and groups and people who are economically disadvantaged.
These programs aim to:
- support older people to live at home for longer, and promote healthy ageing and ongoing management of chronic conditions
- increase awareness in the local primary care workforce of the needs of the local older population
- reduce demand on local health services
- improve quality of life for older people living with chronic disease.
Intergenerational programs
Intergenerational Program for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders
Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH)'s First Nations intergenerational program connecting Elders (aged 50 and over), living in community, attending social respite with high school based allied health trainees. The program is co-facilitated by an allied health professional and aged care staff aiming to decrease feelings of isolation and loneliness, and increase physical activity, mental stimulation and connection through a broad range of health and wellbeing activities for both generations. The program operates from sites located in Zillmere on Tuesdays, and in Morayfield on Fridays.
For more information, email eldersearlyintervention@iuih.org.au or call 1800 802 265.
Paper Planes Intergenerational Play Program
Facilitated by Comlink at North Lakes and Chermside, Paper Planes fosters meaningful intergenerational and peer to peer connections for older adults and children participants.
This collaborative community initiative was developed in partnership with Edge Early Learning Centre Group to challenge ageist stereotypes, build a broader concept of community and inclusion, and supports enhanced self-confidence through building interpersonal skills.
For more information, phone 07 3485 0900 or email intergen@comlinkaustralia.com.au.
Social prescribing programs
Social health is our ability to connect and build meaningful relationships with others and impacts how comfortably we can adapt in social situations. Social prescribing is a new approach to holistic healthcare that can enhance social health through connection with others.
Social Health Connect Community Social Prescribing Program
Supported by Brisbane North PHN, Footprints’ social prescribing program can connect you to local community supports in the Caboolture and Kilcoy hospital catchments with the aim of improving your health and wellbeing in a way that is meaningful to you.
Footprints Link Workers are skilled at building relationships, are well connected in these regions and have the knowledge to navigate both government systems and community services. They might link you to supports around healthy living, social groups and activities, advice, support and service navigation. They can also provide a free interpreter.
Referrals can also be sent by health and community service practitioners via:
Fax: 07 3252 3688
Medical Objectives: SF4006000X1
Email: shc@footprintscommunity.org.au
Chronic conditions programs
First Nations Early Interventions
Institute for Urban Indigenous Health (IUIH)'s Early Interventions program offers coordination support with a holistic approach for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 50 and over who are feeling isolated, lonely or require assistance connecting with aged care, clinical or community services. This program walks alongside Elders to promote and facilitate positive connections to support their health, social and aged care needs.
To find the best pathway for support across North Brisbane and the Moreton Bay region, email eldersearlyintervention@iuih.org.au or phone 1800 802 265.
CarFreeMe for Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Communities
CarFreeMe, supported by Brisbane North PHN, is designed to help older adults and people with health conditions stop driving without limiting their life and freedom. Participants who complete the program have shown to own their decision to stop driving, feel more in control of planning, develop confidence and comfort, and are still able to go wherever they want to go.
For more information, email car_free_me_info@uq.edu.au.
