Indicator Rationale
This indicator is designed to measure an individual's ability to get help quickly. It gauges whether an individual is part of a social network.
It is based on the knowledge that Australian society is changing. The birth rate and marriage rate are both declining whilst the divorce rate is escalating. The rising generation are also likely to postpone marriage and parenthood. These factors, plus others associated with an ageing population, are driving the rise of single-person households. Social engagement in paid work, caring for others, and participation in clubs and sporting groups act as buffer against loneliness.
Close personal networks can be sources of benefits such as confidence, emotional support, practical help, contacts, resources and other forms of assistance.
Data Source
Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD), Indicators of Community Strength at the Local Government Area Level in Victoria
Indicators of Community Strength data were collected in telephone surveys conducted in 2008 and involved 450 individuals over the age of 18 in each of the 79 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across Victoria. These data were collected as part of the
Victorian Population Health Survey which was conducted at the LGA level for the first time in 2008.
The Indicators of Community Strength data were previously collected in 2006 and 2004 by the then Department of Victorian Communities. However, the Indicators of Community Strength and Victorian Population Health Surveys were combined in 2008 to reduce the burden of surveying on Victorian communities and to give the indicators an institutional home into the future. The Victorian Population Health Survey has a substantially better survey methodology that includes a larger sample, the use of primary approach letters, interpreters and a different method of calculation. This means the 2008 Indicators of Community Strength data are not comparable with the previous 2004 and 2006 data. Therefore, the earlier data have been removed from Community Indicators Victoria at the request of the Victorian Department of Planning and Community Development.
Measure
People Who Can Get Help from Friends, Family or Neighbours When Needed: expressed as a percentage of the adult population.
The "Yes, definitely" survey response has been used to derived the measure.
Survey Question
Can you get help from friends, family and neighbours when needed? Yes, definitely; Sometimes; No, not at all.
For 2004, the question wording was slightly different - Can you get help from friends, family or neighbours when you need it?
Reference
Pope. J and Warr, D.J., 2005, Strengthening Local Communities: an overview of research examining the benefits of Neighbourhood Houses. DVC: Melbourne.
