Barriers to social inclusion amongst older Australians
May 2010
The research project ‘Breaking Down the Wall: Barriers to Social Inclusion amongst Older Australians’ commenced in April 2009. This community research project was undertaken by Northside Community Service (NCS) with the objective of exploring the key factors that affect and prevent social and community participation of older people living in the inner North of Canberra.The project was funded by the ACT Department of Disability, Housing and Community Services.
NCS has long recognised the vital role that older people play as active participatory citizens and the significant contribution to many aspects of our communities’ prosperity, by providing an abundance of knowledge, skills and experience.
The research project was undertaken with the following objectives in mind:
·To provide improved quantitative and qualitative data about social inclusion among older people in the Inner North, to inform policy development.
·To explore and develop more appropriately targeted strategies to enhance current service provision to older people in the inner North by non-government and government agencies.
·To increase community connectedness among the volunteer researchers.
·To increase the self-esteem among the volunteer researchers.
These results and the associated research will provide vital input into future programs directed at increasing participation by older members of Canberra’s Inner North community.While they are specific to Northside’s jurisdiction the results may also provide useful input for other community sector organisations and government in developing responses to the challenge of social isolation.
A copy of the summary report including findings and recommendations is available by clicking on the following links.
The Community Development team of Northside Community Service (NCS) conducted a survey to examine the social capital status of tenants living in public and community housing complexes in the Central and Inner North Canberra. The survey project endeavoured to improve the understanding of the factors that determine social capital and its patterns and trends in the survey area. It also aimed to establish relationships with community members that can be mobilised and expanded upon in future projects
This report is based on the analysis of information received from respondents relating to dimensions of social capital and socio-demographic characteristics of respondents. Socio-demographic characteristics covered in the survey included gender, age, identity and language, living arrangements, education, and employment status, while dimensions of social capital investigated included participation in the local community, positive identity, positive social competencies, trust and reciprocity, and relationships with neighbourhood, family, friends and workmates.
The report will be presented at a Community after Dark Forum in April 2009 that will invite public and community housing tenants to listen and be a part of community consultation. The discussion will also be facilitated by a panel of appropriate representatives.
Click here to download a copy of the Report. (391Kb)
