Carer Wellbeing and Connection – In Touch Initiative

North Western Melbourne Primary Health Network (NWMPHN) engaged Carers Victoria to develop and deliver an innovative approach to improve social connectedness for people experiencing poor health outcomes in the Hume and Wyndham regions.

NWMPHN recognises the role that social connectedness can have on health and wellbeing. It has been found that loneliness and social isolation are as bad as smoking and obesity for our overall health.

The program has a focus on carers of family members and friends with a disability, mental illness, chronic health issue or age-related condition. Carers Victoria provides participants with:

• a group cognitive reframing program (4–6 sessions)
• individualised social connection activity planning and support
• follow-up support to address issues that may have emerged and reinforce positive change

The program is informed by a co-design process undertaken with carers to ensure services effectively meets client needs.

The outcomes of the program are:

• improved participants’ health and wellbeing
• improved participants’ social connectedness and to decrease loneliness
• improved participants’ motivation to make changes to address barriers inhibiting social participation
• improved participants’ confidence to engage in social activities
• participants gained an understanding of individual belief system relating to interpersonal relationships.

Page updated 30 September 2024.