Residents will soon be better supported to live and age well, with the announcement that the Healthy Towns program will soon launch in the Wauchope community.
Local community leaders will gather in Wauchope on Wednesday 24 June to celebrate the program – a Healthy North Coast commissioned initiative – funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network program, delivered in partnership with Port Macquarie Hastings Council, Hastings Medical Centre, general practices, community organisations, local businesses and other local health services.
This joint initiative focuses on improving the health, wellbeing and social connection of the Wauchope community over time. It’s about strengthening community networks and connections – so vital in reducing avoidable chronic conditions that impact wellbeing – and reducing future pressure on the health system.
Healthy Towns is also an investment in ‘social prescribing’ aimed at reducing social isolation and better connecting older locals with non-medical supports like social groups, arts and culture, physical activities and volunteering opportunities.
There is growing evidence that proves reducing loneliness and increasing community participation plays a critical role in addressing many of our region’s most pressing health challenges. Studies show that the impacts of social isolation on physical health are comparable to the impacts of smoking, obesity and lack of exercise.
Wauchope was chosen as one of two North Coast pilot sites for Healthy Towns due to:
- It’s size. A population of 6,500 creates an opportunity to impact significant numbers of people, whilst still small enough to achieve coverage in two years
- It is an area forecast to have a higher-than-average growth in ageing population (Wauchope’s population aged 65 and over is 19.3%, compared to the NSW average of 16.3%)
- It’s higher prevalence of chronic diseases including cardiovascular disease (6.0%), diabetes (6.4%), stroke (1.6%) and dementia (1.5%)
- Clear evidence of community need, including social isolation and limited access to supports and activities
- Support from Port Macquarie Hastings Council.
Healthy Towns builds on the success of previous investments into social prescribing on the North Coast, including Healthy Me, Healthy Community and the first iteration of Healthy Towns in six locations in 2018.
With partnerships confirmed, in the coming months Healthy North Coast will be working with older people and stakeholders across Wauchope to design a healthy ageing plan for the town. Communities, organisations and services will be brought together to determine what exists, what is needed and to build a roadmap to make Wauchope a Healthy Town.
Healthy Towns is a $977,000 investment in the Wauchope community which is being funded by Healthy North Coast through the North Coast PHN program.
Healthy Towns will also be launched in Murwillumbah in the near future.
Key components of Healthy Towns:
- Developing a Town Plan that meets the needs of community through co-design and consultation
- Establishment of a community-wide working party to steer and drive the Action Plan and identify new opportunities for Wauchope
- A dedicated link worker to help those who would benefit from social prescription as part of their health and wellbeing. Based at Hastings Medical Centre, but out and about in the community and open to patients and non-patients alike
- A Community Development Officer employed by Port Macquarie Hastings Council, dedicated to building community connections, activities and volunteering opportunities in Wauchope, matched to community needs.
- A formal evaluation of the impact of the Healthy Towns program, providing recommendations for sustaining and scaling the Healthy Towns model in Wauchope and beyond.
Quotes:
Healthy North Coast CEO Monika Wheeler:
“When we asked Wauchope locals what would make the biggest difference to their health and wellbeing, the strongest themes were social connection and support to navigate available services.
“Healthy Towns is about creating a place where older people feel connected, valued and supported. By helping people access the activities, relationships and services that matter to them, we’re creating better health outcomes and improving quality of life for the older adults of Wauchope – both now and into the future.”
Mayor Adam Roberts, Port Macquarie Hastings Council:
“Council is pleased to be partnering with Healthy North Coast on this important initiative and I thank them for their commitment to improving health and wellbeing outcomes for our community.
“We are particularly grateful for Healthy North Coast’s investment in a fully funded Community Development Officer position within Council, which will help drive local engagement, identify community strengths and opportunities, and support the delivery of initiatives that improve social connection and wellbeing.
“Wauchope has a strong sense of community, and this program provides an exciting opportunity to build on those strengths by bringing together residents, community organisations, health providers, businesses and Council to create positive outcomes for local people.”
Dr Philip Ewart, Hastings Medical Centre:
“As GPs, we’re seeing it on a daily basis. Patients are presenting to the rooms for consultation and it stands out that there is a big gap that needs filling. This initiative is going to be the means to help in filling that gap.
“Social prescribing is a new frontier for primary care delivery and I’m very excited to be involved in this initiative within the general practice setting for the rapidly increasing number of presentations for which it would help.
“The Healthy Towns link worker will help connect people with local services, activities and support that can improve their wellbeing and quality of life.
“We’re pleased to host this role at Hastings Medical Centre and be part of a collaborative approach that strengthens the health of the Wauchope community.”
Â
Â
Â
Â
Â
