Wollondilly Wellbeing Framework

Transcription

1 Wollondilly Wellbeing Framework Page 1

2 Contents Section One: Introduction... 3 Overview... 3 Background... 3 Five Ways to Wellbeing... 4 Section Two: Key Population Characteristics... 6 Wollondilly Shire Overview... 6 Section Three: Workshop Outcomes... 7 Key Challenges... 7 Areas of Action & Key Population Groups... 7 Section Four: Vision, Areas of Action and Strategies... 8 Priority Area 1: Advocacy for Wellbeing... 9 Priority Area 2: Events and Spaces for Connection Priority Area 3: Informed Communities and Embedding of Wellbeing Priority Area 4: Sustainable Economic Environment Priority Area 5: Volunteer Opportunities Priority Area 6: Wellbeing across the Lifespan Section Five: Next Steps Section Six: Acknowledgements Section Seven: Appendices Appendix 1: Wollondilly Shire Overview Appendix 2: Activities identified at Wellbeing Forum Appendix 3: Key Service Providers Page 2

3 Section One: Introduction Overview The World Health Organisation defines mental health as a state of well-being in which every individual realises his or her own potential, can cope with the normal stresses of life, can work productively and fruitfully, and is able to make a contribution to his or her community 1. However, people living with a mental disorder can also achieve good levels of wellbeing living a satisfying, meaningful, contributing life within the constraints of painful, distressing, or debilitating symptoms. Mental health is a combination of mental, emotional, social and cultural wellbeing that encompasses much more than just 'not having symptoms of mental illness'. Mental health is integral to the conceptualisation of wellbeing, because it enables people to do and be things that they have reason to value. The Wollondilly Health Alliance (WHA) has initiated a project within the Wollondilly region aimed at promoting mental wellbeing. This project is being driven by members of the WHA who include SWSLHD, South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Ltd (SWSPHN) and Wollondilly Shire Council (WSC). The project launch was undertaken in October 2015 through a mental wellbeing forum facilitated by the SWSLHD Health Promotion Mental Health Team. A key outcome of the day was to develop and implement a sustainable Wellbeing Plan for the Wollondilly through the establishment of a wellbeing network consisting of key stakeholders eager to be involved in future wellbeing initiatives. This document sets out the strategy for future initiatives. Background The Wollondilly Health Needs Assessment identified a relative shortage of local health services within the Wollondilly Shire. While the Macarthur region was found to have adequate mental health services, these centred in Campbelltown and there was low service utilisation by the people of Wollondilly. The need for better access to community health programs including mental health programs was identified as the third top priority for the region, alcohol and drug use were identified as an issue of concern, especially for young people. There was also a felt need in the community for support services for socially isolated residents. Wellbeing is a dynamic state, in which the individual is able to develop their potential, work productively and creatively, build strong and positive relationships with others, and contribute to their community. It is enhanced when an individual is able to fulfil their personal and social goals and achieve a sense of purpose in society. 1 World Health Organisation. What is mental health? WHO web page: World Health Organization; 2013 [updated 2013/05/01/]. Available from: Page 3

4 A review of the most up-to-date evidence suggests that building the following five ways to wellbeing into our day-to-day lives is important for wellbeing. Five Ways to Wellbeing Figure 1 The Five Ways to Wellbeing Be Active Go for walk or run; step outside; cycle; play a game; garden; dance. Exercising makes you feel good. Most importantly, discover a physical activity you enjoy and one that suits your level of mobility and fitness. Regular physical activity is associated with: Greater sense of wellbeing Lower rates of depression and anxiety Cognition development in children Protection against cognitive decline in later life Page 4

5 Connect Connect with the people around you: with family, friends, colleagues and neighbours; at home, work or in your local community. Re-connect with those people important to you that you may have drifted apart from. Think of these as the cornerstones of your life and invest time in developing them. Building these connections will support and enrich you every day. Strong social relationships are: Supportive Encouraging Meaningful Give Do something nice for a friend, or a stranger. Thank someone. Smile. Volunteer your time. Join a community group. Look out, as well as in. Seeing yourself, and your happiness, linked to the wider community can be incredibly rewarding and creates connections with the people around you. Feelings of happiness and life satisfaction are strongly associated with active participation in social and community life. Undertaking an act of kindness once a week increases wellbeing. Keep Learning Try something new. Rediscover an old interest. Sign up for that course. Take on a different responsibility at work. Learn to play an instrument or how to cook your favourite food. Set a challenge you will enjoy achieving. Learning new things will make you more confident as well as being fun. Ongoing through life, learning: Enhances individual s self esteem Encourages social interaction Adult learning is positively linked with life satisfaction, optimism and efficacy. Take Notice Be curious. Catch sight of the beautiful, remark on the unusual, notice the changing seasons. Savour the moment, whether you are walking, eating a meal or talking to friends. Be in the present. Be aware of the world around you and what you are feeling. Reflecting on your experiences will help you appreciate what matters. Being in a state of mindfulness (the state of being attentive of what is taking place in the present) contributes to enhanced wellbeing, self-regulated behaviour and heightened self-knowledge. Page 5

6 Section Two: Key Population Characteristics Wollondilly Shire Overview The Wollondilly Shire is located on the south western fringes of the Sydney metropolitan area, approximately 75 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. The land area comprises of 2,561 square kilometres; roughly 90% is national park, bushland, water catchment or rural land. Demographics The estimated resident population for the Wollondilly in 2013 was 46,295 people, representing an 18.1% increase or approximately 7,080 people over the last 10 years 2. There is an expected increase of 22% or 10,281 people from 2016 to 2031, with a significant growth in persons aged 70+. There are a high proportion of family households and households comprising couples with children, consistent with the relatively young age structure. Wollondilly s proportion of Indigenous people (2.4%) is similar to the NSW average (2.5%). There are lower proportions of residents who have completed high school to Year 12 or attained a university degree. There are relatively low unemployment levels with a higher proportion of residents working in the trade and manual positions. Median individual and household incomes are higher in Wollondilly than the rest of the region and NSW as a whole. However, incomes are highly divergent, with the area containing a mix of wealthy and less well-off people 3. Wollondilly has significantly higher levels of motor vehicle ownership and reliance on private cars as the means of travel to work. o Only 26.9% of the workforce lives and works in Wollondilly Shire. o Over 58% of Wollondilly s working residents travel outside of to work The Mental Health Status is below the NSW age standardised rate for mental and behavioural problems; suicide and self-inflicted injuries; and high and very high psychological distress. Further detail regarding the demographics of Wollondilly can be found in appendix one. 2 Australian Bureau of Statistics (2013). Estimated Resident Population by Local Government Area. 3 Wollondilly Health Needs Assessment Final Report Page 6

7 Section Three: Workshop Outcomes The Mental Wellbeing Forum held in October with health and social agencies consisted of over 60 attendees from approximately 30 different organisations providing services to residents of Wollondilly. This was the first phase of an in-depth consultation process to follow. Key Challenges Participants were asked to list a range of challenges that currently exist which may impact on mental wellbeing in Wollondilly. The following is a summarised list: Community information (health information & community engagement) Culturally inclusive community Risk taking and suicide rates Education Financial and resource limitations - Macarthur services have a greater focus on Campbelltown area Limited community events Limited local employment opportunities Service provision - Proximity to smaller communities - Distance between services and lack of collaboration - Lack of out-of-hours services Public transport Areas of Action & Key Population Groups Following a discussion regarding key challenges, participants identified key population groups and brainstormed a range of activities that could be considered (see appendix two). Activities were grouped into areas of action. Key Population Groups Young People Young Families Aged People living with a disability or mental illness Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People Areas of Action 1. Advocacy for Wellbeing (including access to services and transport) 2. Events and Spaces for Connection 3. Informed Communities and Embedding of Wellbeing 4. Sustainable Economic Environment 5. Volunteer Opportunities 6. Wellbeing across the Lifespan Page 7

8 AREAS OF ACTION VISION Section Four: Vision, Areas of Action and Strategies Thriving individuals who belong to supportive family, cultural and/or social networks; participating in inclusive and safe communities. Advocacy for Wellbeing Events and Spaces for Connection Informed Communities & Embedding of Wellbeing Sustainable Economic Environment Volunteer Opportunities Wellbeing Across the Lifespan Advocating for services outside of Wollondilly to be more responsive; being innovative in service design, models of outreach, models of care and use of e- therapies; and ensuring that adequate and appropriate information is provided. Giving time and space to both strengthen and broaden social networks is important for wellbeing. Events should celebrate community strengths and bring people together for a shared experience. Planning and design of public space should intentionally ensure that the space attracts people to gather, to recreate, or participate in activities. The Five ways to Wellbeing framework acts as the means to inform communities on how to utilise simple and achievable strategies that significantly improve wellbeing. Implementing the Five Ways to Wellbeing to Wollondilly requires both major community level campaigns and for individuals and organisations to adopt and champion the Five Ways to Wellbeing to those communities they work in. Creating a mentally healthy workplace contributes to higher levels of morale, a happier workforce and a positive work environment with flow on to customers. Flexible work practices that accommodate a greater work / life balance or allow for employees to meet family and work in a less stressed manner not only provides opportunities for a diverse range of people to participate in the workforce but also a more productive and less stressed workforce. Giving has a positive affect for the giver and to the recipients. It is about cultivating a spirit of generosity and promoting active participation in social and community life. Volunteering and community involvement has been strongly linked with positive feelings and functioning. Helping others, sharing one s skills and resources, and behaviours that promote a sense of purpose and team orientation, have been found to help increase self-worth. Children who grow up in safe, loving and nurturing environments are more likely to develop emotional, cognitive and social skills that build resiliency and provide a foundation for thriving throughout life. Wellbeing strategies that assist in life skill development and address lifestyle issues have all proven to contribute to resilient and thriving teenagers. Wellbeing strategies must address how older people maintain the best possible mental capital, and so preserve their independence and wellbeing. Page 8

9 Priority Area 1: Advocacy for Wellbeing Psychological distress, mental illness, disability or social disadvantage places enormous emotional, social and economic stress on the individual, their family and carers. The ability to access, in a timely manner, health information, social and financial assistance, and if required, professional or clinical services, is vital in mitigating some of the negative impacts of the mental illness or disability. Not being able to access, or having only limited access to support or professional services, the need to often travel to access, and knowing where to obtain information are common realities in smaller communities. Advocating for services outside of Wollondilly to be more responsive; being innovative in service design, models of outreach, models of care and use of e-therapies; and ensuring that adequate and appropriate information is provided, contributes to wellbeing of those who, due to their illness or disability, are vulnerable or disenfranchised and experiencing higher levels of disadvantage. In this very mobile world, access to means of transport is vital for an individual s ability to participate in employment, education, social, sporting or recreational activity. For those without their own cars or are no longer able to drive, research has shown that their levels of social engagement becomes severely restricted both geographically and socially. For those dependent on public transport, their social life can be determined by such factors as variability of transport, especially outside business hours and on weekends; where the transport takes them; physical accessibility and user friendliness of the public transport options; along with perceived issues of personal safety. Page 9

10 Strategies Key Stakeholders Address issues of accessibility through: Supporting new models of outreach for services provision for: a. Residents with severe and persistent mental illness with complex needs b. Residents with mild to moderate mental illness c. Carers and families a. Partners in Recovery - Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW & South Western Sydney PHN b. South Western Sydney Primary Health Network c. Children of Parents with a Mental Illness (COPMI) & Schizophrenia Fellowship of NSW Provide support for the Macarthur Access Group for Inclusive Communities (MAGIC) Project to ensure there is ongoing access to services, businesses and the broader community for people with a disability. Ensure the ongoing promotion of e-technology, particularly between local General Practitioners and Specialist Organisations, is reaching the appropriate stakeholders and priority populations. Determine and apply the best avenues for the promotion of e-mental health resources, ensuring capacity and capability for priority populations. Sector Connect Wollondilly Health Alliance Wollondilly Health Alliance Wollondilly Health Alliance Ensure healthy planning: Ensure wellbeing is incorporated in to social planning Wollondilly Shire Council Advocate for Mental Wellbeing Impact Assessment (MWIA) tool to be included in Health Impact Assessments (HIA) for all future developments in Wollondilly, including the provision of training for planners on the use of MWIA. South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Wollondilly Shire Council Increase awareness of health services and health promotion activities and programs relating to mental wellbeing: Page 10

11 Identify the service gaps and promote to such organisations in an effort to get needed services to Wollondilly South Western Sydney Local Health District Promote service opportunities to the community to ensure demand is sufficient for regular service provision Develop a suite of wellbeing strategies relevant to each of the key population groups to be promoted through the Dilly Wanderer Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Wollondilly Shire Council South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Community Engagement Team Explore innovative transport opportunities: Determine the various accessibility needs of each of the key population groups Advocate for the Macarthur volunteer driving program in Wollondilly Scope the transport opportunities provided in other rural towns throughout NSW Establish Work for the Dole projects focussed on achieving transport opportunities Wollondilly Shire Council Sector Connect Community Transport Department of Employment Page 11

12 Priority Area 2: Events and Spaces for Connection Across all ages, relationships and participation in a social life, feeling close to other people and valued by them is a fundamental human need, critical for mental wellbeing and effective buffers against disorder. Strong social relationships that are supportive, encouraging, and meaningful and belonging to a wider social network are also important for feelings of connectedness and self-worth. The key message of the Five Ways to Wellbeing, Connect, is that giving time and space to both strengthen and broaden social networks is important for wellbeing. The wellbeing of individuals is bound up in the wellbeing of their communities, so actions that focus solely on individual, inward-looking benefits will not be as effective as those that stress the importance of fostering relationships with others. Opportunities to engage in social activity and broaden social networks require events and spaces for social interaction to occur. The most common places for interaction in our life are family, school and workplace settings. It is not surprising that social isolation is highly reported by people who are no longer able to participate in these settings. Social institutions such as community and cultural groups, churches, sporting, recreation and leisure organisations, youth and senior citizen groups, and support groups, play an important role in facilitating social connection. It is also important that both small and large community events engender a sense of belonging that celebrate community strengths and bring people together for a shared experience. Planning and design of public space should intentionally ensure that the space attracts people to gather to recreate or participate in social, sporting, recreational or leisure activities. Page 12

13 Strategies Key Stakeholders Provide affordable, healthy programs in Wollondilly: Implement a more sustainable approach to free fitness classes established in Appin: o Register as a walking group with the Heart Foundation o Utilise employees to become walk leaders for the initial set up of the group o Empower participants to become walk leaders for future walking groups Promote and expand the concept of walking groups established in Appin, to other parts of Wollondilly Wollondilly Health Alliance South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Unit Wollondilly Shire Council (Dilly Wanderer) Scope opportunities for activities that promote wellbeing: Advocate for installation of fitness equipment throughout Wollondilly as funding becomes available Ensure innovative locations for fitness equipment to address the needs of different population groups Identify activities that value add to the work of the Dilly Wanderer using local parks and community centres Explore opportunities to promote wellbeing at community events through engagement and practical activities i.e. IlluminARTe; DamFEST; Australia Day; Steam Festival; Seniors Week, Youth Week; International Day Wollondilly Shire Council Wollondilly Shire Council South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Unit South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Wollondilly Shire Council South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Community Engagement Page 13

14 Team Provide spaces for people to connect South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Wollondilly Shire Council South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Community Engagement Team Wollondilly Health Alliance Improve use of green space in Wollondilly: Identify underutilisation of parks and green space In line with available funding and voluntary planning agreement (VPA) process, consult with the community in regards to improving green space to meet the communities needs Wollondilly Shire Council Developers Page 14

15 Priority Area 3: Informed Communities and Embedding of Wellbeing If communities are to prosper and thrive in a rapidly changing society and in an increasingly interconnected and competitive world, the building of communities wellbeing is vital. Encouraging and enabling everyone to realise their potential throughout their lives is crucial for future prosperity and wellbeing. Thriving communities create the setting for its members to thrive. Thriving communities consist of happy, healthy, capable and engaged members. An individual s mental capital and mental wellbeing crucially affect their path through life. Moreover, they are vitally important for the healthy functioning of families, communities and society. Together, they fundamentally affect behaviour, social cohesion, social inclusion and our prosperity. Social capital and wellbeing requires mental capital which is intimately linked to mental wellbeing. Measures to address one will often affect the other. Mental capital encompasses a person s cognitive and emotional resources. It includes their cognitive ability, how flexible and efficient they are at learning, and their emotional intelligence, such as their social skills and resilience in the face of stress. It therefore conditions how well an individual is able to contribute effectively to society, and also to experience a high personal quality of life. South Western Sydney Local Health District has adopted the Five ways to Wellbeing framework as the means to inform communities on how individuals, families, friendship, social, religious and cultural groups can utilise simple and achievable strategies that have been proven to significantly improve wellbeing. The framework has a high level of flexibility to adapt or tailor the five wellbeing actions to specific communities, age groupings and cultural groupings. It allows for innovative and creative modalities to convey the wellbeing messages to communities. Implementing the Five Ways to Wellbeing messages to Wollondilly requires both major community level campaigns and for individuals and organisations to adopt and champion the Five Ways to Wellbeing to those communities they work in. Page 15

16 Strategies Key Stakeholders Identify and engage key stakeholders as partners for wellbeing: Undertake a gap analysis to identify key stakeholders that have not been involved to date with mental wellbeing planning in the Wollondilly Promote the benefits of the 5 ways to wellbeing Utilise opportunities such as existing forums and networks for formalised dialogue regarding mental wellbeing in Wollondilly South Western Sydney Local Health District; Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Sector Connect Establish a Southern Highlands Wellbeing Network that brings together the Wingecarribee and Wollondilly Adopt and champion the Five Ways to Wellbeing Individuals and organisations in Wollondilly encouraged to adopt and promote the Five Ways to Wellbeing in their workplaces South Western Sydney Local Health District Wollondilly Shire Council Wollondilly Health Alliance member organisations modelling Wellbeing through promotion of Staff Wellbeing Programs South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Wollondilly Health Alliance Wollondilly Wellbeing Network Launch a major wellbeing campaign: Research and evaluate the roll-out of wellbeing projects throughout other regions in NSW and Australia to determine successes and lessons learnt Ensure dedicated resources for facilitation of major campaign Wollondilly Health Alliance South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Page 16

17 Undertake effective engagement to create buy-in with the community and local organisations Plan to launch concept / partial launch of major campaign in parallel with mental health month Wollondilly Shire Council South Western Sydney Primary Health Network Community Engagement Team Launch major campaign Page 17

18 Priority Area 4: Sustainable Economic Environment People can benefit from work not only financially, but also in their general fulfilment and wellbeing. It should therefore be a priority to ensure that these benefits are available to everyone, including those with mental health problems or disability. There is strong evidence that programmes to encourage and support people with mental health problems or disability into work offer very high economic and social return. The world of work is changing, with far-reaching consequences: globalisation and the growing intensification of work will combine to increase workers levels of stress and anxiety, and affect their health and efficiency. Changes in the nature of work will also interact with changes at home, such as growing numbers of two-earner households and increased need for care for older relatives, thereby creating pressures on families. Maintaining and improving wellbeing in the face of these trends is a major challenge. Untreated mental health conditions cost Australian employers $10.9 billion every year through absenteeism, reduced productivity and compensation claims. Other effects of a mentally unhealthy workplace include poor morale and staff engagement, high staff turnover and potential penalties for breaches of work health and safety legislation. Research shows that an organisation can achieve a positive Return of Investment of 2.3 through implementing effective actions to create a mentally healthy workplace. These benefits are derived from a reduction in absenteeism and compensation claims. Implementation of workplace staff wellbeing programs contribute to higher levels of morale, a happier workforce and a positive work environment with flow on to customers. Flexible work practices that accommodate a greater work / life balance or allow for employees to meet family and work in a less stressed manner not only provides opportunities for a diverse range of people to participate in the workforce but also a more productive and less stressed workforce. Page 18

19 Strategies Key Stakeholders Support implementation of mentally healthy workplaces: Promote workplace staff wellbeing program across all businesses Advocate for flexible work practices Chamber of Commerce and Industry Wollondilly Shire Council Economic Development Team (support) Sector Connect Strengthen employment opportunities in Wollondilly: Utilise expected growth centre in Wollondilly for attracting business to the Shire Wollondilly Shire Council Promote opportunities for employment for residents with a disability or mental illness Employment Agencies Sector Connect Enable opportunities for continuing education: Enhance the scope of the Wollondilly public library / mobile libraries to promote continuing education and wellbeing Scope subjects and opportunities for continuing education for each of the priority population groups Provide opportunities for residents to undertake skills programs in Wollondilly to enable capacity for employment Wollondilly Library (Council) Community Links Registered Group Training Organisations Page 19

20 Priority Area 5: Volunteer Opportunities Five Ways to Wellbeing identifies giving as one of the areas of action that contribute to positive wellbeing. Giving not only has a positive affect for the giver but to the recipients at both an individual and community level. A shared spirit of giving at a community level leads to a greater sense of belonging to a welcoming and inclusive community where people are looking out for each other, are concerned about each other s welfare and wish to contribute to the betterment of the community so that all may benefit and thrive. Giving is more than just the sharing of material things with others. It is about cultivating a spirit of generosity and promoting active participation in social and community life. This spirit of generosity should be promoted and encouraged as a shared community value in family, friendship and social networks, in workplaces, schools, and social, recreational and community organisations. Giving is important for all age groups. It helps develop strong social cognition in children and a sense of purpose and self-worth in adults, particularly for older people who have left the workforce and have time to offer. Volunteering and community involvement had been strongly linked with positive feelings and functioning. Helping others, sharing one s skills and resources, and behaviours that promote a sense of purpose and team orientation, have been found to help increase self-worth and produce a positive emotional effect. Page 20

21 Strategies Key Stakeholders Enhance the presence of volunteering in Wollondilly: Better promote volunteering opportunities for the Wollondilly community Improve awareness of volunteering opportunities for businesses throughout Wollondilly by ensuring face to face information/promotion Sector Connect Community Links Wollondilly Shire Council Enhance resources for coordinating and promoting volunteering in Wollondilly Utilise current Macarthur programs to refocus on Wollondilly Chamber of Commerce Wollondilly Shire Council Economic Development Team Wollondilly Health Alliance Expand the scope of volunteering opportunities available, particularly for youth Page 21

22 Priority Area 6: Wellbeing across the Lifespan Wellbeing and healthy mental development starts in the womb. Addressing maternal stress, diet, smoking and avoidance of alcohol exposure during pre-natal development helps to ensure a healthy start for the baby. The research into early childhood development and mental wellbeing conclusively shows enabling the best possible family, social and physical environments in which children are nurtured, especially in the first five years of life is critical in setting a course for a child s trajectories through life. Children who grow up in safe, loving and nurturing environments are more likely to develop the emotional, cognitive and social skills that build resiliency and provide foundation for thriving at all stages of life. Research also indicates that there is significant benefit to not only the child and their family but also the wider community when we invest in early interventions to address learning difficulties, psychological distress or trauma, behavioural issues, family violence, abuse, social and economic disadvantage and physical and development issues. Adolescence is a time where rapid physical growth, that if not matched with healthy psychological, sexual and emotional development can result in a range of social, emotional and behavioural challenges and for some the onset of mental illness. Wellbeing strategies that assist in life skill development and address life issues such as grief, relationship formation and breakup, healthy communication with parents, stress management, relaxation techniques, conflict resolution, body image, bullying, understanding sexual and gender identity, negotiating safer sexual practices and assertiveness have all proven to contribute to resilient and thriving teenagers. Lifestyle health issues such as alcohol and other illicit drug use, tobacco use and early onset of sexual activity, all of which have been shown to potentially have a major negative impact on healthy development in teenagers, should also be addressed. Programmes that address educational failure, transition from school to higher education or vocational training and opportunities for employment are also essential wellbeing strategies. As the baby boomer generation begin to enter retirement, wellbeing strategies must address how older people maintain the best possible mental capital, and so preserve their independence and wellbeing. Strategies must also address the underutilisation of the mental capital of older adults and how to reverse the continued negative stereotyping of older age. Achieving these would benefit older people themselves, business, and the rest of society. However, failure could result in a spiral of poor wellbeing, mental ill-health and exclusion; and disenchantment in this large and growing sector of the population. Opportunities for social engagement, volunteering and engaging with younger people are all strategies to counter social isolation, sense of redundancy or being not valued, or not having a sense of purpose and meaning for living. Page 22

23 Strategies Key Stakeholders Wellbeing in Schools: Align major campaign with supporting schools in implementing Wellbeing programs South Western Sydney Local Health District; Health Promotion & Mental Health Team School Principal Network Provide education for parents regarding parenthood challenges: Wollondilly Shire Council (Dilly Wanderer) Evaluate and expand roll-out of childhood development sessions South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Unit Wollondilly Health Alliance Partner with stakeholder groups to undertake consultation regarding wellbeing in key target populations: Scope and identify gaps / opportunities to reduce isolation Partner with Youth Advisory Committee regarding specific services and activities to enhance wellbeing in young people South Western Sydney Local Health District Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team Wollondilly Shire Council Wollondilly Shire Council Scope and identify opportunities for youth and elderly intergenerational activities and pilot up to three initiatives Aboriginal Community Groups Schools Aged Care Facilities Page 23

24 Enhance mentoring in Wollondilly Undertake a scoping activity to determine current mentoring programs available in Wollondilly; gap analysis; barriers to mentoring Benevolent Society Sector Connect Prioritise need for mentoring in regards to age; social connection; skills development; volunteering Wollondilly Health Alliance (Healthy Towns) Page 24

25 Section Five: Next Steps This document provides an opportunity to further strengthen the relationship between key service providers (appendix three) across the Shire and promote a more integrated and seamless approach to wellbeing in Wollondilly. Following endorsement of the Wollondilly Wellbeing Framework, the Wollondilly Wellbeing Network and key stakeholders identified in this document will work together in partnership with the Wollondilly Health Alliance to identify specific activities to roll out across the Wollondilly Shire. The framework underpinning the future approach for wellbeing in Wollondilly aims to reflect a strength-based and wellness model of health. The changes and developments outlined in this document may lead to different ways of working across aspects of the entire system. We want to see a local community, filled with thriving individuals who belong to supportive family, cultural and/or social networks. The demonstrated success of this document and a continued partnership between key service providers may broaden the scope for working together in the future. It will be enabled by those involved in the delivery of services to seek opportunities and work together to achieve the vision. Page 25

26 Section Six: Acknowledgements We would like to acknowledge the attendees of the Wellbeing forum facilitated by the SWSLHD Health Promotion Mental Wellbeing Team on 22 October Your active participation and interest regarding wellbeing in Wollondilly has significantly shaped this document. In addition to the above, we would like to acknowledge the Mental Wellbeing Network for your contribution to this document and ongoing involvement in this project. We would also like to acknowledge the sub working group for their ongoing coordination regarding wellbeing in Wollondilly. Page 26

27 Section Seven: Appendices Appendix 1: Wollondilly Shire Overview The Wollondilly Shire is one of seven Local Government Areas within South Western Sydney. The largest towns are Picton and Tahmoor. The rest of the population is dispersed among a large number of small townships and rural localities. The rural area is used primarily for agricultural purposes including market gardens, dairy farms and grazing. There is also a local coal mining industry. Major communication links include the Hume Highway and the Main Southern Railway, which pass through the area along what is known as the Sydney-Canberra Corridor. Given its small and scattered population and semi-rural characteristics, public transport services in Wollondilly are limited. Limited train services are available, linking with Campbelltown and the city network and with the Southern Highlands and Goulburn, while bus services link the larger towns with each other and with Camden. Figure X: Map of Wollondilly Shire 4 Population: In population terms, it is the smallest Local Government Area within South Western Sydney, representing only 5.1% of the total population. Culturally and Linguistically Diverse Population: Proportions of people born overseas (12.4%) and speaking a language other than English at home (9.3%) are significantly lower than the NSW averages (31.4% and 27.5% respectively). Levels of disability: The proportion of residents needing assistance with core activities is lower than the regional and NSW averages. However, the proportion of people providing assistance to a person with a disability is similar. This proportion translates to just over 4,000 people who are providing care within the Shire. 4 Wollondilly Shire Council. Map of the Wollondilly Shire. Accessed 14 November Page 27

28 Density In 2013, the population density in Wollondilly was 18.1 persons per square kilometre. Wollondilly is one of the least dense areas across NSW. As a comparison, the three highest population density Local Government Areas in NSW saw 7,649 people; 7,181 people and 6,612 people per sq km 2. Taking in to consideration the development proposals identified for the Wollondilly, there is also potential for more growth than existing forecasts identify (see below). Table X: Population Projections, Wollondilly Shire, Age Group Growth (%) 0-4 years 3,551 3,680 3,775 3,849 8% 5-14 years 7,114 7,669 8,239 8,606 21% years 18,103 18,522 19,355 20,201 12% years 14,803 15,706 16,393 17,280 17% years 3,311 4,436 5,441 6,397 93% 85+ years ,004 1, % Total 47,485 50,789 54,206 57,716 22% Source: NSW Department of Planning and Infrastructure Population Projections by Local Government Area Level of Disadvantage There are a number of measures that estimate level of disadvantage including the Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas (SEIFA) which contains indicators of disadvantage such as low income, high unemployment and low levels of education. The average across NSW is set at 1,000, and a score below 1,000 indicates relatively lower socioeconomic status, and relatively greater social disadvantage. The SEIFA index for Wollondilly LGA in 2011 was 1033, indicating that Wollondilly is a relatively advantaged area. 5 Travel Characteristics in Wollondilly Only 26.9% of the workforce lives and works in Wollondilly Shire. Over 58% of Wollondilly s working residents travel outside of the area to work, with 32% working in adjoining local government areas. Most of the balance of those working outside the Shire work in other parts of Western Sydney (e.g. Parramatta, Blacktown). Around 1.8% travel to Central Sydney for work. The balance (around 10%) has no fixed place of work (i.e. tradesmen who travel around for work). Approximately 50.3% of the population aged 5-19 years are enrolled in education in Wollondilly. While not all persons aged 5-19 years access education, this indicates a large percentage that likely travel outside of Wollondilly. Levels of transport disadvantage experienced by the Wollondilly population are further evidenced by data concerning the time and distance spent in travel to work and education by Wollondilly residents. 6 5 Australian Bureau of Statistics Socioeconomic Indexes for Areas Bureau of Transport Statistics 2011 Journey to Work data at Page 28

29 Table X: Travel Characteristics Wollondilly NSW Proportion travelled to work by car only 72.7% 62.1% Proportion households with 3+ motor vehicles 29.7% 13.9% Dwellings with no motor vehicle 3.3% 10.8% Source: Australian Bureau of Statistics (2011) Census Population and Housing The data in the table below provides a comparison of key travel indicators for residents in Wollondilly Shire Council compared to the worst case council in each of the identified outer SD areas, as well as the Sydney average. This data shows that Wollondilly residents travel the furthest and expend the greatest amount of time travelling than any residents in the Greater Metropolitan Sydney Region, and that they have a significant reliance on private vehicles. Time spent travelling represents a significant time and cost penalty for Wollondilly residents, impacting on family budgets and adding to ongoing family stress. It is also a factor that is reflected in the high road toll experienced in Wollondilly. Table X: Key Comparative Transport Data Daily travel time (minutes) Wollondilly Gosford / Wyong Blue Mount. Hawkesbury Penrith Wollongong Kiama Shellharbour Wingecarribee Shoalhaven Sydney Km / person Average work trip (minutes) Avg. vehicles / household Source: Bureau of Transport Statistics 2011 Journey to Work data at Health Status Hospitalisations 7 Compared to NSW (100), Wollondilly has lower rates of hospitalisations that are: Diabetes related From falls-related injury Alcohol attributable Smoking attributable Compared to NSW (100), Wollondilly has higher rates of hospitalisations that are: Coronary heart disease attributable. Wollondilly has the second highest rate of coronary heart disease in SWS, following Campbelltown. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) related. High body mass index attributable. Wollondilly has the second highest rate of obesity in SWS, following Campbelltown. 7 SWSLHD Centre for Research, Evidence Management and Surveillance, sourced from Wollondilly Health Needs Assessment 2014 Page 29

30 Risk Factors Wollondilly has a higher proportion of residents who drink more than two standard drinks a day, but a lower proportion who participate in high risk alcohol drinking. The proportion of Wollondilly residents who currently smoke is slightly above the state average. Wollondilly has a lower proportion of residents who undertake adequate levels of physical activity. The proportion of residents who consume the recommended quantities of fruit is below the state average, although on par with the state average for vegetable consumption. Mortality Compared to NSW (100), Wollondilly has lower rates of death that are: From all causes Potentially avoidable From preventable causes Amenable to health care Compared to NSW (100), Wollondilly has higher rates of death that are: Alcohol attributable Smoking attributable High body mass index attributable Table X: Life expectancy and deaths from all causes for residents of Wollondilly and NSW Indicator Wollondilly NSW Deaths from all causes Standardised Mortality Ratio (SMR) Life expectancy at birth and by gender Male Female Male Female Source: SWSLHD Centre for Research, Evidence Management and Surveillance, sourced from Wollondilly Health Needs Assessment 2014 Mental Health Status The Mental Health Status for Wollondilly residents is below the NSW age standardised rate for all of the factors listed below. Despite this, suicide, self-inflicted harm, and psychological distress are prevalent throughout the Wollondilly. Page 30

31 Table 1 Mental Health Factors, Aged Standardised Rate, Wollondilly and NSW Men with mental and behavioural problems age standardised rate per 100,000 population ( ) Women with mental and behavioural problems age standardised rate per 100,000 population ( ) Suicide and self-inflicted injuries age standardised rate per 100,000 population average per year ( ) Mental health - high and very high psychological distress persons aged 16 years and over (%) (2010) Source: Wollondilly Health Needs Assessment 2014 Wollondilly NSW % 11.1% Page 31

32 Appendix 2: Activities identified at Wellbeing Forum The following activities were used to inform the Areas of Action. Informed Communities and Embedding of Wellbeing Promoting wellbeing - Major campaign - Use of social media - Partnership with local General Practitioners to promote wellbeing within the medical home Informing communities - Interactive community noticeboards - Information across the lifespan, particularly in schools Community events and workshops - Intergenerational events - Incorporate wellbeing Advocacy for Wellbeing (including access to services and transport) Accessibility - Provision of service outreach to Wollondilly, particularly for Macarthur funded services, and a focus on smaller more isolated villages - Services incorporating transport as a component of service delivery - Enhanced resources for the Dilly Wanderer including increased hours for after hours and weekends - Promote use of e-technology to access e-health programs and psychiatrists located outside of the Wollondilly - Carpooling and volunteer driver opportunities - Subsidised / supported driver training for youth Partnerships for Wellbeing - Health expo delivered in Wollondilly - Mandate wellbeing programs e.g. Kids Matter program in all schools, including preschools - Volunteer program / volunteer coordinator for Wollondilly - Intergenerational programs - Mentoring activities / build upon support networks - Build relationships and utilise power of mining, banking and large scale businesses for advocating wellbeing Good healthy planning - Health impact assessments - Include the language of wellbeing throughout strategic documents e.g. Wollondilly Community Strategic Plans - Include wellbeing questions in the Census - Strategic planning for long term resolution to transport / access issues - Reduce the stigma around mental health Page 32

33 Events and Spaces for Connection Events - Events across the lifespan - intergenerational connections - Build on / replicate successful events from other parts of Sydney e.g. night noodle markets - Events sponsored by wellbeing Inclusiveness - Culturally diverse - Childcare at events - Healthy programs to assist financially disadvantaged people - Support for community to attend events Environmental and infrastructure - The library to evolve in to a community hub for classes, workshops etc. - Create a culture centre for promotion of arts, crafts, cooking etc. - Parks to be utilised for activities such as tai chi, meditation, laughter classes - Establish a multipurpose stage for shows, performances, outdoor cinemas and live music etc. - Enhance live music events e.g. elderly jazz group providing performances to various churches Active areas - Increased exercise equipment in parks - Increase bike tracks - Ensure walking tracks are not in isolated areas that discourages residents Volunteer Opportunities Identifying volunteering needs and creating local opportunities - Advertising / promotion of - through community noticeboards and local papers etc. - Volunteer information sessions - Potential for one off opportunities for people with other demands - Focus on needed services for the community such as maintenance of community gardens Links with agencies - Employment agencies with clients on NEWSTART - Volunteer agencies to develop combined opportunities potentially through a volunteer exchange option / online noticeboard - Department of Education to incorporate in to schools Wellbeing across the Lifespan Social support network - Big brother/big sister concept (mentoring) - Social groups for the isolated elderly - Increase interaction between elderly and youth Page 33

34 - Classes for parents regarding parenthood challenges Schools - Include wellbeing in school curriculum - Young person s forum for planning in schools - Conversations with students regarding after school activity preferences and subsidising some activities Reduce stigma and advocate acceptance for people with a disability or mental illness Improved incentive program for local business to employ people with a disability or mental illness Understanding Aboriginal history and inclusion / education in schools Accessibility of services in the Wollondilly Sustainable Economic Environment Training and development - Programs to enable skills for paid employment - Mentoring groups to support training Employment - Encouraging flexible work practices - Increased jobs - Local business awards including a wellbeing category Healthy workforce - Bike tracks for riding to/from work - Promoting Wollondilly with health and fitness organisations for increased programs in the Shire Page 34

35 Appendix 3: Key Service Providers The following is a brief list, not limited to all service providers, servicing the Wollondilly. Government - Department of Education - Department of Family & Community Services - Department of Justice - Karitane - Macarthur Women s Domestic Violence Court Advocacy Service - South Western Sydney Local Health District - South Western Sydney Primary Health Network - TAFE NSW - Wollondilly Shire Council Independent - Argyle Community Housing - Cancer Council NSW - Community Links Wollondilly - Headspace - Macarthur Disability Services - Macarthur Diversity Services Initiative - Macarthur Family and Youth Service - Macarthur Gateway - Sector Connect Inc. - Southern Highlands Homelessness Services - Tharawal Aboriginal Corporation - The Benevolent Society - The Disability Trust - Quest for Life Foundation - WILMA Women's Health Centre - Youth Solutions Other - Anglicare - Uniting Care - Wollondilly Anglican Churches - Wollondilly Presbyterian Churches Page 35