Harper Sercombe
A new $2.69 million facility in Whittlesea’s north will provide older residents and their carers with vital support services.
The Mernda Social Support Centre at 70 Mernda Village Drive, is now open and will be a key hub for the delivery of co-located services and activities for older adults in Whittlesea.
Whittlesea chair administrator Lydia Wilson said the northern suburbs’ growth, as well as Australia’s ageing population, meant there was high demand for a fit-for-purpose social support facility.
“The services offered at the Mernda Social Support Centre will help our older residents maintain their independence and continue to participate meaningfully in the community,” she said.
“Reducing social isolation, both for participants and the people who care for them, is an important part of ensuring our residents are safe and supported to continue to live their best lives.”
She said the number of residents in Whittlesea experiencing social isolation and lack of community connectivity, as well as health-related issues such as living with dementia, is expected to increase dramatically in the coming years and council needed to be prepared to meet their needs.
The centre features three activity rooms, kitchen, consulting room, staff office, outdoor barbecue area and accessible amenities.
A range of programs will be offered to help people forge new social connections, maintain independence and improve their mental and physical health.
Some of the programs included at the hub are, exercise classes for older adults, dementia and memory program to support people experiencing cognitive decline or memory loss, well-being skills group sessions for older adults teaching people psychological skills to maintain their mental well-being, digital mentoring and engagement sessions and cultural, social and information-based events.
The centre was funded by $1.45 million from the Whittlesea council and a $1.24 million grant from the state government’s Growing Suburbs Fund.
