Community health and wellbeing policy
Aspirations
- To be part of a community that is connected and compassionate
- To enable our community to live a healthy lifestyle
- That we individually and collectively take responsibility to promote and improve positive mental health
- To provide support to those in need, and where this is not suitable or practicable, to be able to refer them to accessible and appropriate services
- That members of our community are educated to identify and support individuals at risk of harm
- To build supportive environments to help everyone benefit from physical activity
Kiama Greens Recognise:
- The health and wellbeing for those that choose to live and work in the Kiama LGA is a shared responsibility for individuals, communities and all levels of government
- The social, economic and physical environments in which we live shape our health and mental wellbeing
- The important role that Kiama Council plays in promoting health and wellbeing and the current Kiama Health Plan 2018-2021
- Sections of our community are at higher risk of social isolation or reduced mental wellbeing. These groups include men (who continue to have the highest rate of suicide), young people experiencing significant levels of distress and self-harm, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, the LGBTIQ+ community, those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, people living with mental illness and alcohol and other drug problems, veterans and their families, emergency services workers, and people bereaved by suicide
- Kiama Council is the largest employer in the local government area; it is important to promote and improve the wellbeing of Council staff, as well as being a role model to others in the community
- The application of Kiama Council policies on transport, housing, physical and social environment and other amenities can have a direct impact on wellbeing and connection
- The importance of Council promoting the use of mental health support services, including apps, websites and phone services (such as including links on Council webpages or social media; or providing written information at Council venues)
- The importance of Kiama Council’s participation in the Illawarra Shoalhaven Suicide Prevention Collaborative
Kiama Greens will work to:
provide a supportive and safe environment by:
- Ensuring our cycleways, walking trails and other sporting activities are maintained to promote healthy lifestyles
- Ensuring accessible public and green space of high quality is available to residents to socialise, be active, relax and reflect
- Proposing an audit of high-incidence suicide locations, such as railways, high buildings and bridges, incorporating modifications that reduce risk and the opportunity for self-harm
- Ensuring Council staff are trained to identify signs of mental distress and domestic violence and know how to confidentially refer to appropriate services where appropriate
provide programs and services by
- Advocating for the provision of headspace services in the Kiama LGA
- Ensuring the Kiama Health Plan 2018-2021 is reviewed, updated and communicated
- Promoting and supporting community events that encourage social connection, including festivals art and cultural projects or events promoting diversity
- Supporting Council to integrate the concept of community health and wellbeing within their existing activities and capacity
- Supporting seeking grant funding
- Creating a healthy workplace as an employer and role model in the community
- Supporting services and programs addressing mental wellbeing and social connection during key life transitions – such as parenting groups and retirement services
- Promoting and supporting community organisations that seek to improve social connection and purpose, such as men’s sheds and senior citizens’ clubs
- Considering models for providing community managed drop-in neighbourhood centres
- Supporting projects directed towards self-help and greater community connection that arise within the community
- Ensuring Council’s policies as an employer reflect a commitment to protecting mental as well as physical wellbeing
establish partnerships and coordination by
- Working to establish and build the level of support around community health and wellbeing within the community and identifying existing and potential partners and champions of community wellbeing, such as local businesses or non-government organisations
- Encouraging partnerships to promote community health and wellbeing
Support Services
- Lifeline on 13 11 14
- Kids Helpline on 1800 551 800
- MensLine Australia on 1300 789 978
- Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467
- Beyond Blue on 1300 22 46 36
- Headspace on 1800 650 890
- QLife on 1800 184 527
- Domestic violence 24 hr hotline 1800 656 463
Hits: 77