Rural community support hubs for people living with musculoskeletal conditions

Our project will focus on developing online communities in Bendigo, Benalla, Horsham, Warragul and surrounding areas. People living in rural areas living with musculoskeletal conditions (such as arthritis, osteoporosis, back pain etc.) are particularly vulnerable due to a lack of health services in these areas, as well as distance which can result in people living with these conditions experiencing social isolation and poor mental health resulting from their pain and reduced mobility. This project will help build community and support for people living with musculoskeletal conditions through the development of online community hubs.

We envisage that within these online community hubs, people will be able to participate in discussions about their conditions; share their stories, discuss tips and experiences; and give and receive support. Within these rural communities people can impart their local knowledge in trying to find services such as local health professionals, local events and get-togethers or resources. They can also assist in providing support to each other, whether it be assistance with travelling to appointments or sourcing information or equipment and more importantly making new connections and friends.