Inaugural group to combat loneliness

CITY of Ballarat staff are looking for community members to join the inaugural Social Inclusion Action Group.

The community-led initiative aims to improve social connection and wellbeing while addressing the causes of isolation.

The goal of the group is to ensure all community members feel valued, respected and can participate in city life, regardless of their circumstances.

Group members will manage an investment fund which will be used to test, develop and support initiatives.

“We want Ballarat to be the most welcoming and connected it can possibly be, and this group will play a large role in that,” mayor Cr Tracey Hargreaves said.

“We believe that everyone has something valuable to offer and we look forward to the real differences this group will be able to make.”

The group is funded by the State Government and coordinated by the City of Ballarat.

Supports are available for group members such as transport, childcare or other assistance.

Anyone in the community is invited to submit an expression of interest, including people who have experienced loneliness or want to help make Ballarat more inclusive.

Community information sessions are occurring across Ballarat and the dates and times can be viewed on the City of Ballarat’s MySay page.

The group comes under recommendation 15 of the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System where it was suggested the State Government should create community collectives.

Ballarat was one of five Local Government Areas selected including Brimbank, Greater Geelong, Whittlesea, and Mildura.

Benalla, Frankston, Latrobe, Mansfield, and Wangaratta already have social inclusion action groups.

To submit an expression of interest, visit the City of Ballarat’s MySay page, the Phoenix Building or a library or call 5320 5500 before 5pm on Monday 25 August.