A workshop teaching seniors to arrange flowers from their own gardens has become an unexpected tool in tackling isolation in regional Tasmania.
20 people from the West Tamar travelled to Launceston last week for the free session, where they created bouquets later gifted to patients at the Beaconsfield District Health Service.
Held as part of Seniors Week, the program highlights a growing recognition that social connection can be just as important as medical treatment when it comes to wellbeing.
Nicole Grose, who works in health navigation for St Lukes, said the organisation helps people find their way through the health system.
But, she said, she’s noticed something else happening in those conversations.
“… We’re seeing … people benefit not just from this advice, but from the human interaction – chatting to someone, feeling seen and heard and connecting with a broader support network that they never knew was available,” she said.
The flower-arranging workshop, run in partnership with Beaconsfield Neighbourhood House and local florist Robyn Matthews, built on that idea.
“Receiving a beautiful, unexpected bunch of flowers will brighten recipients’ days,” Grose said.
“More importantly, everyone involved will experience the physical and mental wellbeing boost that comes from random acts of kindness and enhanced social connection.”
Mandy Cooper, a project officer with Beaconsfield Neighbourhood House, said regional communities face particular challenges when it comes to loneliness and isolation.
The workshop helped people who would never otherwise meet to connect and learn new skills, she said.
“It breaks down barriers, reduces loneliness and helps participants build meaningful relationships that extend into supporting others in our local community and aged care service.”
St Lukes’ health navigation service is free for all Tasmanians and available through wellness hubs in Launceston and Hobart.
