In the Community
Thursday November 14th is World Diabetes Day and this year’s theme is Diabetes and Wellbeing.
Social connection is important for a healthy and happy life!
Read information about what you can do to improve social connection.
“Supporting people to build and retain social connections can have a powerful protective effect for developing type 2 diabetes, and can improve the health outcomes of those living with diabetes”
Dr Rajna Ogrin, Senior Research Fellow at Bolton Clarke Research Institute, and project lead of a social connection program in metropolitan Melbourne, Connect Local www.connectlocal.org.a
For all Health Care Providers working with people living with diabetes:
Social connection needs to be considered as part of assessment and management for holistic wellbeing of people living with diabetes.
Read information about how connecting with others can not only improve outcomes for people with diabetes but can have powerful preventative effects in developing diabetes.
"Launching on World Diabetes Day with a focus on Diabetes and Wellbeing, this statement unites key research themes linking diabetes, loneliness, and social disconnection. As pharmacists and healthcare professionals, we must view social connection as a critical health priority. Pharmacists have frequent touchpoints with diabetes patients—through medication reviews, dispensing, and supplying resources under the National Diabetes Services Scheme. Each interaction is a valuable opportunity to emphasise the importance of social connection in supporting patients with diabetes toward better well-being and health outcomes."
-Jenny Kirschner (BPharm), Pharmacist and founder of PALS - Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation
Diabetes and Wellbeing
Social Connection matters - we need to look beyond blood sugar for a better diabetes life. #WorldDiabetesDay2024 #DiabetesLife
The Connect Local Team were out and about again for Loneliness Awareness Week 2024. Based at the Amcal Pharmacy in North Road Ormond, the Team along with the lovely Jenny Kirschner from Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation (PALS) set about spreading awareness of the benefits of Social Connection and the Connect Local program with local businesses and residents.
Thank you Geoff Kirschner, and the staff at Amcal Pharmacy Ormond for your support once again!
Some of the wonderful Business owners, Staff and Residents we met are featured below:
Deni Cameron at Melbourne Music Centre; Ash at Platform 1 café; Sardeep Singh at Fletchers Real Estate; Jo-ann Whitty of The Bread Roll Shop; Siddhevith Duggel at Ormond Fresh Produce; Imdad Patel and Ori Kot at Ormond IGA; and Kerrie Gannan at Home of Lights.
Set up at the Amcal Pharmacy in North Road Ormond on Friday August 11 for Loneliness Awareness Week 2023, were the connect Local Team promoting the program and educating pharmacy staff of the benefits of social connection. Thank you Amcal Pharmacy Ormond and staff for having us there and also to Jenny Kirschner and Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation (PALS) for your support.
In the News
The Australian Jewish News March 22, 2024
An Australian Jewish News special feature - Golden Years 2024
Glen Eira News May 2023
Glen Eira News February 2023
Connect Local Launch
Connect Local was officially launched on May 4, 2023, in a joyous ceremony held at the Caulfield Cup Room of the Glen Eira Town Hall. More than 60 community members, program participants, health and social service providers, council staff, and special guests including Dr. Michelle Ananda Rajah MP (Federal Member for Higgins), Mayor of Glen Eira Mr. Jim Magee, Dr. Daniel Fineberg, Dr. Harry Gibbs from Alfred Health, and Ms. Deidre McGill from Bolton Clarke, gathered to mark the occasion. At the event, attendees were able to watch an inspiring video that showcased participants Loraine and John, as well as social service providers Tracey and Avril.
Photo Gallery
