Have Your Say
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(So let's come together and do something about it)
This project gives you the chance to lead the design of activities that help you feel more connected, supported and included. Together, we want to explore what helps you feel like you belong, what gets in the way, and what ideas could make a real difference.
By working in a way that is fun, safe, respectful and collaborative, this project will create space for you to influence decisions, shape solutions, and build new social connections along the way.
First up, you'll need to fill in a couple of details about yourself via the Expression of Interest link below. This is to let us know you're interested in taking part, but don't worry, you can always opt-out at any point if you need. From there, we'll organise a chat with you (either in-person, or online) to learn a bit more about why you want to make an impact through this project.
Because this is a pilot project (that means it is the first time we've done something like this), we might not be able to invite everyone to take part. If that's the case, we'll send you an email to keep you updated.
You'll be provided with some background information about loneliness in greater Geelong (Australia) to help guide your thinking before the workshops.
The workshops will be held in-person at a venue in central Geelong, and we can support you with transport if you need.
We're keen to make sure these workshop sessions are successful, before we set our sights too far in the future. For some, this might be where they choose to end their participation, but for others, it might be just the first step!
Depending on what the group decides, there may be exciting opportunities to continue working together to bring your ideas to life. We call this 'co-delivery'. This co-delivery stage might involve regular meetings with your design group, creating presentations to share with Council or the community, planning, organising, booking venues, creating safety plans, or volunteering.
You can be sure that whatever you decide, you'll have our support to make the experience rewarding, enjoyable and successful - and you won't do it alone.
Because taking part in co-design takes effort, we are committed to making it easier.
For each workshop you contribute to, you'll be rewarded with a gift card valued at $25 per hour.
We wouldn't expect a pizza for free. So we won't expect you to create solutions to loneliness for free either!
(also, if you sign up to the Have Your Say platform, you'll go into the draw for a $100 prize!)
Have a look at this research that was done recently. It has been written as a plain language summary, which means it is a little bit easier to understand than the OG report.
It tells you a bit more about how important this work is, and why we are so keen to work with young people on a solution!
There's heaps to unpack in there, from different groups that experience loneliness more than others, to certain areas around Geelong with higher rates of loneliness.
When we have finalised planning, participants will receive a simple guide sharing what to expect at the workshop venue.
We're looking forward to making these sessions safe, accessible and fun, so let us know what makes participation simpler in your EOI below.
Click below to express interest in the workshops.
The personal information and feedback (collectively the Data) requested on this page is being collected by City of Greater Geelong (City) for the purpose of project recruitment and insights, and any other directly related purpose (Youth Social Connection Project).
A de-identified engagement summary report may be published on our website.
If your personal information is not collected, the Project may not be able to be adequately conducted, and the City may not be able to contact you for further questions or to find solutions.
In order to collect and conduct in depth and detailed analysis of the Data for the purposes of the Project, the City will disclose the Data (including your personal information if provided) to its third-party service providers, including Social Pinpoint Pty Ltd, Converlens Pty Ltd and Amazon Web Services.
Other than as stated above, your personal information will not be disclosed to any external party without your consent, except as required or authorised by law
Our privacy policy is available on our website. If you wish to alter any of the personal information you have supplied to the City, please contact us by sending an email to privacy@geelongcity.vic.gov.au.
Have questions or want to learn more about a project, contact us below:
| Phone | 03 5272 5272 |
|---|---|
| Website | www.geelongaustralia.com.au/contact/ |
The National Relay Service is available as a phone solution for people who are deaf or have a hearing or speech impairment.
We Acknowledge the Wadawurrung People as the Traditional Owners of the Land, Waterways and Skies. We pay our respects to their Elders, past, present and emerging. We Acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who are part of our Greater Geelong community today.
