Protecting social connections in Western Australia
In the UK, many of the restrictions around COVID are lifting. However, in Western Australia, COVID has only recently arrived on any scale, as have restrictions on local travel, and the social consequences of distancing measures. Based in Western Australia, Amplifying Voices' sister organisation, Health Communication Resources (HCR) has quickly adapted to the new restrictions, supporting the local community to keep vital social connections alive.
Until recently international and interstate travel restrictions had been so successful at keeping COVID at bay that residents of Western Australia faced relatively few restrictions as long as they stayed locally. People now face local travel restrictions which increase isolation and threaten social cohesion.
HCR normally works with aboriginal communities in remote parts of the Mid-West. The new COVID restrictions mean having to curtail plans for travel to these remote communities. Instead, attention has pivoted to what can be achieved in the local community around Geraldton.
The neighbourhood where they are currently working faces a unique set of challenges whereby a large proportion of the community are isolated leading to a higher risk of poorer mental health. A team of volunteers has been looking at how to build a hub to create opportunities for connection and to build relationships with community. With HCR’s experience in community development, they are providing support to help build these foundations.
One local initiative for mobilising social connections has become even more important with the arrival or new COVID restrictions. Service providers and community groups have identified additional support needs for expectant parents and parents who have recently had a baby. Due to COVID, services have been reduced, and parents are not able to connect with their informal support networks as often. In response to this, HCR, as well as other partners are working with parents of new-borns to use social media and other local conversation spaces to share their experiences and advice with expectant parents.
Participants’ feedback indicates that the process of sharing their experiences has been empowering for those involved. HCR has seen many community members come forward wanting to help which is very encouraging. The work continues, engaging parents to access help, using media innovatively to build and strengthen social connections, especially for those who need it most.