Abstracts & Presentation Summaries - Department of Health

Good Practice & Innovative Service Models Concurrent Sessions
Session 4 — Social Connections Through Language & Culture
Connie San Jose, Social Support Coordinator, Filipino Community Council of Victoria
Language the Key to Social Connectedness in Providing Responsive
Social Support Programs
Introduction
Like most Ethno Specific Social Support Coordinators, I work Part-Time, 28 hours
per week and a sole worker. The Council is under an elected management committee
and supported by volunteers.
I would like to recognise the good work you do and encourage you to continue.
Your vast knowledge and experience should be shared and heard. Being the workers
on the ground, we are in the best position to identify the needs and through
appropriate consultation, we are in the best position to articulate them.
I hope you will enjoy the forum, and I look forward to hearing today’s outcome.
In 1995, the Inner Western Region Migrant Resource Centre initiated a research to
look at the Home and Community Care Needs of the Filipino frail elderly, the
isolated, people with disabilities and their carers. Since the 1980s the MRC has been a
major catalyst in responding to the ageing of ethnic communities in the Western
suburbs and the development of appropriate linguistic and cultural services.
I was privileged to conduct the study and commissioned as well to implement the
recommendations of the research. In 1996, funding was granted by the Department
of Human Services through its Home and Community Care Program to the Filipino
Community Council of Victoria for the establishment of Social Support Programs.
Problems / Keys Issues Identified
1. Isolation – dispersed Filipino community in the metropolitan and
non-metropolitan areas
2. Lack of proper information
3. Transport problem
4. Interpersonal relationship conflict in three-generation household
(grandparents, parents, and grandchildren)
5. Migration in later life
6. Gender imbalance – female – 63.38% (12,830), males 36.17% (7,271)
The Filipino Community Council of Victoria delivers a diverse and expanding range
of socially acceptable social support programs across the Western and Northern
Regions. We have introduced innovative and creative approaches that are culturally
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