An initiative connecting community members over a cuppa has officially begun in Merewether, helping combat social isolation for Newcastle seniors.
NovaCare’s Scone Time encourages elderly community members, their carers, companions and family members to re-connect over morning tea.
Thirty residents came together for the launch of the social event hosted at the Milpara Merewether social centre on February 28.
Scone Time is also funded by the City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package, which aims to support vulnerable communities through the ongoing impacts of COVID-19.
NovaCare Chief Executive Officer Joseph McCarthy said the funding would help host up to 20 events this year and allow the initiative to be rolled out across many locations in Newcastle.
“The pandemic has caused social isolation amongst older people, some of whom are now feeling lonely and hesitant to re-enter activities,” McCarthy said.
“City of Newcastle’s support will enable NovaCare to provide social re-connection to local seniors in a supported environment where they can share homemade scones, their thoughts and feelings, amongst great company.”
The free events are open to anyone over the age of 65, their carers and family members, with bookings made by contacting NovaCare.
Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said initiatives like Scone Time were important for the community as the impacts of COVID-19 continued to be felt.
“The last two years have presented challenges for everyone, but these are heightened amongst our elderly population,” Cr Nelmes said.
“Providing seniors with safe and supported opportunities to seek meaningful social connection will improve the wellbeing of our community.”
City of Newcastle Director Strategy and Engagement Kathleen Hyland said continued community support would benefit the city’s most vulnerable residents.
“When the pandemic was declared in 2020, we moved quickly to deliver social, economic and well-being outcomes that would support our community,” Hyland said.
“As the effects of COVID-19 continued to impact our community with social and economic disruption, we extended our $5.5 million community and economic resilience package to provide additional support with a targeted program including assistance for local charities and the most vulnerable in our community.”
Northern Settlement Services has also received funding under City of Newcastle’s Community and Economic Resilience Package.
The grant will be used for a social and recreational program for vulnerable cultural and linguistically diverse populations.
Information source: City of Newcastle