OUR PROGRAMS
ELDERCONNECT
Because belonging has no age limit
ABOUT THE PROGRAM
What this program is
ElderConnect is a community-based social inclusion and wellbeing program for older people across metropolitan Adelaide. It responds to loneliness, which is not a soft problem. Sustained isolation is linked to depression, cognitive decline, physical deterioration and earlier death.
The program starts from the position that older people are not a problem to be managed. They are members of our community whose experience and contribution deserve to be honoured. We focus particularly on older people from migrant backgrounds, who carry a double isolation: separated from their cultural communities, and navigating an aged care system that was not designed with them in mind.
WHO IT IS FOR
Who we work with
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Older people aged 65 and over experiencing isolation or loneliness
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People living alone without close family or social support
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People who have been recently bereaved
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People experiencing declining mobility or health
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Older people from migrant backgrounds with limited English
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People recently moved from independent living into supported living
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Older carers, particularly those caring for a spouse or an adult child with disability
WHAT WE OFFER
How the program works
Social connection programs
Regular social groups at community venues, culturally specific groups, and arts, gardening, cooking, storytelling and reminiscence programs that draw on peoples own heritage. Plus intergenerational programs with local students and youth volunteers.
Volunteer befriending
Trained volunteers matched with isolated older people for regular one-on-one visits, with phone and video befriending for those who cannot get out. Matched by culture and language wherever we can.
Home visiting and welfare checks
Regular visits to check on wellbeing, practical help with appointments, forms and transport, and connection to services when new needs appear.
Aged care navigation
Help with My Aged Care registration and assessment, access to home care packages and Commonwealth Home Support services, and advocacy with providers for culturally appropriate delivery.
CULTURAL SAFETY
How we make it work for you
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Culturally specific social groups delivered in community languages with culturally relevant activities
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Bilingual staff and volunteers matched to community language needs
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Traditional music, storytelling, cooking and crafts from participants countries of origin
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Full accommodation of dietary restrictions and religious observance
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Program information in plain English and key community languages
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Families informed and involved where culturally appropriate and with consent
CULTURAL SAFETY
How we make it work for you
-
Culturally specific social groups delivered in community languages with culturally relevant activities
-
Bilingual staff and volunteers matched to community language needs
-
Traditional music, storytelling, cooking and crafts from participants countries of origin
-
Full accommodation of dietary restrictions and religious observance
-
Program information in plain English and key community languages
-
Families informed and involved where culturally appropriate and with consent
OTHER PROGRAMS
People rarely need just one thing
NAWIRI FAMILY CONNECT
Strengthening families, protecting children, building futures
Early intervention and practical family support, working alongside parents before things reach crisis point.
NAWIRI HOMEWARD BOUND
Meeting people where they are, walking with them toward home
Street outreach, case management and tenancy support for people sleeping rough or at risk of losing housing.
NAWIRI COMMUNITY BRIDGES
Building bridges between communities and the support they deserve
Navigation and settlement support for migrant and refugee communities, delivered in community languages and community spaces.