Description
Social isolation is a growing problem. It can encompass loneliness, geographical and digital isolation issues, worsened by housing and transport problems, scams, families moving away and service closures. In France, 1 in 4 older people are isolated, up from 16% in 2010 to 24% in 2014, equivalent to 1.2 million people. In the UK 11% of the over 65s feel socially isolated.
The project Connected Communities will contribute to address the societal challenge of an ageing population by developing the Social Prescribing-plus innovative solution to, by adapting access to health and social services for those over 60 (France) and 65 (England), focusing on early intervention and prevention to prolong autonomy and improve health and well-being.
Connected Communities will enable older people to better manage their own health and social care with the right support when needed to help them to be more independent for longer. Improved wellbeing and independence will prevent or delay the need for some formal health and wider care services. The project proposes to combat this loss in resources by connecting older people and services within FCE communities, thereby boosting their ability to help themselves, increasing happiness, decreasing loneliness and reducing the demand for social services.