Please list any other organisations you have collaborated with on this submission.
Who you have consulted with
- LG Interface Social and Community Planning Network
- Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Health and Wellbeing Committee
What is your submission about?
Please provide a brief summary of your submission
Topic name
The Wyndham City Council Research and Statistics team prepared a number of submissions in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. This submission proposes a new health variable regarding social isolation, specifically the extent to which people have spent time with acquaintances, friends or relatives who do not live in the same household in the week leading up to the Census date.
Choose your area of interest
Please select one item
(Required)
Population
Sex and gender
Households and families
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
Income and work
Unpaid work and care
Education and training
Disability and carers
Housing
Location
Transport
Cultural diversity
Religion
Ticked
Other topic
If Other topic please specify
Health
Assessment Criteria 1
1.
This topic is of current national importance.
National Importance
Social isolation impacts health and disadvantaged places have less connection. Identifying who is affected by social isolation and where they live would inform planning and delivery of services and infrastructure to prevent social isolation.
Assessment Criteria 2
2.
There is a need for data from a Census of the whole population.
For whole population
The prevalence of social isolation in particular localities, might highlight opportunities for local infrastructure. Demographic characteristics of those who are socially isolated may also illuminate potential intervention and support programs.
Assessment Criteria 3
3.
The topic can be accurately collected in a form which the household completes themselves.
Easy to answer
By specifying the question as suggested, it should be a question of recent recall of a major event. For respondents this should be an easy to interpret question, and easy to answer as well.
Assessment Criteria 4
4.
The topic would be acceptable to Census respondents.
Acceptable
Respondents may feel that socialisation does not fit with the Census topics and may not be willing to answer this question. This can be resolved by an explanation of what the purpose of the question is and by reasserting the privacy guarantee.
Assessment Criteria 5
5.
The topic can be collected efficiently.
Collected efficiently
This question may require some explanation as to what does and what does not constitute a social gathering. The resulting yes or no answers should, however, be easy to process.
Assessment Criteria 6
6.
There is likely to be a continuing need for data on this topic in the following Census.
Continuing need
Having a clear view of factors that influence (mental) health outcomes over time can inform timely policy responses. Health outcomes affect the wider society so will remain a major area of interest.
Assessment Criteria 7
7.
There are no other alternative data sources or solutions that could meet the topic need.
No alternatives
The Victorian Population Health Survey has the following indictors regarding the topic:
- Feeling of safety
- Feelings of trust
- Help from a volunteer organisation
- Help from family when required
- Help from friends when required
- Help from neighbours when required
- Help with are in an emergency
- Opportunity to have a say
- Volunteering
The inclusion of this information for all people through the Census is necessary for a greater understanding.