SEVEN pharmacies across Western NSW are participating in a new pilot program designed to improve engagement with older individuals at risk of isolation, loneliness or chronic disease.

The Stay Well Connected initiative was created in response to data from the Western NSW Primary Health Network (PHN), which found that social isolation and loneliness significantly affect the mental and physical health of older adults (65 ) in the region.

Participants will complete the Pharmacist Training Program on Loneliness, created by the founder of Pharmacy Addressing Loneliness and Social-isolation (PALS), Jenny Kirschner, launched in partnership with the PSA.

Topics include defining loneliness, its prevalence, health impacts, and identifying at-risk groups, with pharmacists to also be trained on the use of the LiveUp directory – funded by the Department of Health and Aged Care – to find local social groups and activities.

Pharmacists will implement their training by initiating conversations with older adults and using local knowledge and tools to suggest relevant community activities.

Kirschner, along with LiveUp’s Lisa Maunsell and Western NSW PHN’s Hayden Welsh hosted the participating pharmacists on a webinar yesterday (pictured) to discuss the program.

“It’s inspiring to see pilots like Staying Well Connected involving pharmacists at the heart of social prescribing,” said Kirschner.

“Pharmacists hold a unique and trusted position in their communities, making them ideally placed to help address loneliness through everyday interactions and meaningful connections.” JM

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