$18,000 invested in Sydney's age-friendly communities

IRT Group's IRT Foundation has announced $80,000 in Community Grants for 10 community projects that will encourage social participation for older people in need.

“Two of the projects will be implemented right here in Sydney with $18,000 in funding support,” said IRT Foundation Manager, Toby Dawson.

 The Australian Foundation for Disability in Western Sydney is going to give older people living with disabilities opportunities to socialise and connect.

“Living with a disability can be really isolating, especially when you’re ageing. The Foundation has a bunch of great activities planned to enable its older members to get out and about,” he said.

“Walking groups, internet workshops and book, exercise and gardening clubs are just some of the things on the agenda.

“The internet workshops will be particularly useful to enable the members to continue to connect online after the social outings.”

The Sutherland Shire’s 3Bridges Community will use its grant to help older people from culturally and linguistically diverse communities who are living with dementia.

“3Bridges has devised a great program that uses music and movement to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of people with dementia,” Mr Dawson said.

“There’s a strong focus on people from diverse backgrounds and the program will feature Tai Chi and cultural performances, along with more traditional dance techniques.”

For more information on either of these projects, please contact the Australian Foundation for Disability or 3Bridges Community directly.

Other 2017 Community Grant recipients will improve the lives of older people in need in the Shoalhaven, Illawarra, Canberra and Sunshine Coast.

The announcement brings total funding for Community Grants to almost $400,000 since the program was launched in 2014. This is part of IRT Group’s commitment as a community-owned provider to give back to the communities in which it operates.

Find out more about IRT Group.