Lively Community Ltd

Lively Community Ltd (ABN 59607742610RR0001) is an Australian not-for-profit organisation dedicated to transforming aged care through fostering intergenerational connections. Established with the mission to address social isolation among older adults and provide meaningful employment opportunities for young jobseekers, Lively operates programs that link young Helpers aged 18 to 25 with older community members aged 65 and above to support practical in-home assistance and promote social inclusion.

Mission and Vision

Lively’s core aim is to bridge generational divides by building meaningful relationships between younger and older Australians. Through these relationships, the organisation seeks to alleviate loneliness and social disconnection experienced by many older people while empowering young people by providing them with valuable employment and life skills in community care settings.

Programs and Services

Lively implements several key programs designed to foster intergenerational engagement:

• In-Home Support: Young Helpers provide practical assistance to older individuals in their homes, facilitating independence and enhancing quality of life through companionship and everyday support.

• Community Tech Help: This initiative offers friendly technology tutorials in community spaces where young Helpers assist older people in gaining confidence with digital devices and online communication. This program helps older participants navigate technology that can connect them more easily with family, friends, and services.

Impact

Since its inception, Lively has trained and employed young jobseekers to deliver social support services that significantly improve the social connectedness and inclusion of older Australians. This dual-impact model addresses both youth unemployment and elder isolation, creating benefits for individuals and communities alike.

Participant testimonials highlight the program’s success in creating hope, enhancing social engagement, and developing skills among young workers. For example, older members have expressed newfound confidence with technology and greater enjoyment of social activities, while young Helpers have gained practical skills relevant to career paths such as nursing.

History and Recognition

Lively was founded following the recognition of widespread loneliness in older populations—where four in ten older Australians report feeling isolated—and the challenge faced by young people in securing meaningful employment. The organisation gained traction through community engagement and funding initiatives, including a successful pitch at TFN Live Melbourne in 2019 that helped launch its intergenerational home care model.

Since then, Lively has expanded its operations, achieving accreditation as an approved home care provider and working towards scaling its services nationally to increase its reach and impact.

By cultivating connections across generations, Lively Community Ltd exemplifies innovative social enterprise in aged care, aiming to foster mutual support and understanding between young and older Australians.

Note: This article is based on information from Lively’s official resources and Australian charity registers.

[1] https://www.lively.org.au [2] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/4cee7774-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd [3] https://www.lively.org.au/about-us [4] https://www.acnc.gov.au/charity/charities/4cee7774-3aaf-e811-a963-000d3ad244fd/documents/ed42f240-4e4f-e911-a97c-000d3ad06f2d [5] https://www.rootsofchange.org.au/non-profit-partner-stories/lively