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