Healthy Towns

Healthy Towns 800 x 500

Supporting a healthier, more connected community

Residents in Wauchope and surrounding areas will soon have greater opportunities to live, age and thrive through the launch of the Healthy Towns Wauchope program.

Healthy Towns is a Healthy North Coast initiative, funded by the Australian Government through the Primary Health Network (PHN) Program. The program is being delivered in partnership with Port Macquarie-Hastings Council, Hastings Medical Centre, local general practices, community organisations, businesses and health services.

The initiative aims to improve health, wellbeing and social connection across the Wauchope community. By strengthening community networks and creating opportunities for people to connect, Healthy Towns seeks to reduce the impact of chronic health conditions, improve quality of life and help ease future demand on health services.

A key focus of the program is social prescribing – an approach that connects people with non-medical supports and activities that can improve their health and wellbeing. This may include social groups, arts and cultural programs, physical activity opportunities, volunteering and other community-based activities.

Research continues to demonstrate the important role social connection plays in maintaining good health. Studies show that the effects of social isolation and loneliness on physical health can be comparable to well-known risk factors such as smoking, obesity and physical inactivity.

Over the coming months, Healthy North Coast will work alongside older residents, community groups, organisations and local services to co-design a Healthy Ageing Plan for Wauchope. This collaborative approach will identify existing strengths, uncover opportunities and develop a roadmap to support a healthier and more connected community.

The Healthy Towns Wauchope program represents a $977,000 investment in the local community through the North Coast PHN program.

Healthy Towns is about working together to create a healthier, more connected future for Wauchope. For more information about the program, please contact community.activation@pmhc.nsw.gov.au.

Why Wauchope?

Wauchope was selected as one of two North Coast pilot locations for Healthy Towns due to a range of factors, including:

  • A population of approximately 6,500 people, providing the opportunity to create meaningful community-wide impact while remaining a manageable size for implementation.
  • A growing ageing population, with 19.3% of residents aged 65 years and over, compared to the NSW average of 16.3%.
  • Higher prevalence rates of chronic conditions, including cardiovascular disease, diabetes, stroke and dementia.
  • Identified community needs relating to social isolation and access to local supports and activities.
  • Strong support from Port Macquarie Hastings Council and local stakeholders.

Program Highlights

Key components of the Healthy Towns Wauchope program include:

  • Development of a community-led Healthy Ageing Plan through consultation and co-design. Establishment of a community-wide working group to guide implementation and identify new opportunities for the town.
  • A dedicated Link Worker who will connect people with social prescribing opportunities that support their health and wellbeing. Based at Hastings Medical Centre, the role will be available to both patients and non-patients across the community.
  • A Community Development Officer employed by Port Macquarie Hastings Council, focused on strengthening local connections, supporting community activities and expanding volunteering opportunities.
  • An independent evaluation to measure outcomes and provide recommendations for sustaining and expanding the Healthy Towns model in Wauchope and beyond.  

 

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