Ufirst, icare's social and community research initiative, will be hosting a couple of public workshops to address social isolation of out-of-work injured workers.
The workshops will be held on May 3 at the Harbourview Function Centre, 150 Wharf Rd, Newcastle, and May 9 at the Orange Ex-Services Club, 231-243 Anson St, Orange. They will bring together members of these communities, thought leaders, local business owners, and people with a lived experience of injury.
The events will see the NSW insurer and care provider share its research about social isolation for those living with injury, and are intended to develop practical solutions to restore social connections for those who have been isolated from their community by worklessness because of a workplace injury or road accident, said Eugene McGarrell, icare general manager for health and community engagement.
“Social isolation and its ripple effect on the family of an injured person, their community, and the economy, is a complex issue that requires whole-of-community solutions,” McGarrell said, as he stressed the key role community organisations and local businesses have in creating the right environment for injured workers to connect to work and the community.
“Last year, over 2,900 people were injured in workplaces in Newcastle, while more than 400 injury claims were made in Orange,” McGarell said. “These injured employees took an average of 26 days to return to work. However, in some cases, people were unable to return to work for more than three months. The longer people are away from work, the greater their risk of social isolation and the likelihood of the onset of further mental health issues, which can delay recovery.”
To find out more about the events and to register, visit: https://www.eventbrite.com.au/o/ufirst-11095462338, or contact Tracie-Lee Cullen at [email protected].
