The Problem

41,000 RESIDENTS ON THE PENINSULA ARE OVER 65 YEARS (29% TOTAL RESIDENTS)

25,500 ARE AGED 4 -24. (25% TOTAL Residents)

Approximately 15% of Peninsula seniors suffer depression raising to around 35 % in residential aged care facilities*

One of the key drivers of depression in older age is

loneliness *http://www.beyondblue.org.au/resources/for-me/older-people

Being lonely

- has the same negative health effects as smoking 15 cigarettes/ day * -is worse then obesity *

- you have a 64 per cent increased chance of developing dementia **

*http://www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/loneliness-research/ and http://www.bbc.com/news/uk-politics-24572231 ** www.campaigntoendloneliness.org/threat-to-health

20% of Yr 7 Students and nearly 30% of students on the Mornington Peninsula suffer from Depression. In 2013, almost 1 in 4 young said they were sad, very sad or not happy when asked to report how happy they were with their life as a whole* *http://www.youthbeyondblue.com/footer/stats-and-facts

Unfortunately there is an increasing disconnect between the Young and Older generations in our community

The Solution and Outcomes

Better Together believes a better, stronger and thriving community is one where our youth and elders share resources and knowledge, solve common issues, generate wealth, socialise and play together

No senior should feel alone…

BETTER TOGETHER WILL RECONNECT PENINSULA GENERATIONS

VIA 10 NEW INTERGENERATIONAL PROJECTS

No senior should feel alone… “ No Peninsula senior should be

left behind or feel alone by Dec 2016”

No senior should feel alone… “ 5% reduction in youth depression

on Peninsula by Dec 2016

Example Project Mornington Men Shed/ Mount Eliza Secondary College Students Wooden Surf Board making project in conjunction with Tree To Sea Reconnecting Generations via traditional making skills, commence and technology

Supported by The Rotary Club of Mount Eliza

In conjunction with Tree to Sea, Australia

Pilot Project 6 handmade wooden surf boards designed and crafted in Mount Eliza by Men Shed members and MESC students

Project Details 16 Mornington Men Shed members have confirmed interest in being part of

project

6 students from Mount Eliza Secondary Real Time Learning program to apply for and then pair 1 on 1 with each Men’s Shed member to build wooden surf boards in ½ day workshop in mid May 2015

Boards to be crafted by Men Shed members and Students at Tree to Sea

workshop to ensure high quality and support of local board making business. Intergenerational Board making progress recorded by Mens Shed members and

shared on Better Together YouTube channel Boards painted by students and local aboriginal artists

Community board wetting event at Mount Martha Surf Club

5 finished boards sold a local farmers market with all proceeds to fund all

Peninsula Men Shed insurance and rent in 2016

Project Outcomes • Reconnected Generations

• Surfboard making history

learnt

• Board Maker skills learnt by both students and Men Shed members

• Making journey shared

online

• Men Shed council fees paid for 2016