A SOCIAL isolation grant of $100,000 for the next five years has been given to the Donald Simpson Community Centre in recognition of its part in scourging a loneliness and isolation epidemic afflicting more than 20% of an ageing Redland population.
The grant follows a KPMG survey of the centre’s members which identified its role in keeping loneliness at bay.
It also identified its role in improving physical and mental health, providing community engagement, enhancing quality of life and the economic benefits of volunteering.
Donald Simpson Community Centre board chairman Tony Christinson said he did not initially realise the extent of the problem and how much the centre was able to help.
“In the survey, our members had to respond as to what they would do if the centre closed down. Responses included them saying they would lose their circle of friends, watch television more, cry and have no place to go. It was quite revealing,” he said.
He said the centre offered about 2000 members a chance to socialise and make friends while participating in a range of about 40 activities.
“I see them here, mixing with other people. Some come after a spouse dies and they have nowhere else to go. Now they have friends. Some people just come for one activity but might meet for lunch.”
Committee member Laraine Dillon said she was constantly surprised at the isolation suffered by so many members.
“I will sit in the coffee shop and have a coffee. So many women approach me and ask if I mind if they sit there. I love these chats. There are some wonderful stories out there,” Laraine said.
The study stated that the demand for the facilities at the centre is expected to grow, with the Redlands showing 40% of its population aged over 50 years and 20.9% aged over 65 years.
This represents a growth in this age group of 6000 people in the past year.
This statistic is higher than the Brisbane figure of 14.9%.
