FRANKSTON residents might feel downtrodden, unsafe and less satisfied with their lot than many Victorians, but they are a tough lot reporting slightly higher levels of resilience, according to data just released by the state’s health watchdog VicHealth.
Frankston scored poorly in many of the areas in the 2015 VicHealth survey, including general well-being, life satisfaction, personal safety and “at risk” alcohol consumption.
However, just down the road in the Mornington Peninsula Shire local government area people are more “life satisfied” and have a stronger sense of general wellbeing and safety.
Data for the indicators survey was collected through telephone interviews of people 18 and over, to help councils and organisations provide evidence-based health planning and programs.
Despite Frankston residents reporting low levels of neighbourhood connection and trust, and indulging in more unsafe drinking than the average Victorian, the majority of survey participants reported slightly higher than average levels of resilience, which was rated at 6.5 compared to the state average of 6.4 out of 8.
Resilience is rated by looking at how participants rate themselves at dealing with and recovering from adversity.
Community Support Frankston manager Steve Phillips said the results backed up the organisation’s statistical and anecdotal evidence, which revealed huge numbers of people seeking weekly support, but also a strong community network where people shared information and helped each other.
He said Frankston people were often seen as “battlers” who faced hardship such as low incomes, high unemployment and health-related problems, but were adept at trying to “navigate a pathway” through life and supported each other by sharing information on support services.
Community Support Frankston provides advice, referrals and support for around 250 people a week, with 55 per cent of those self-disclosing mental health problems.
“The people who come to see us for some sort of life advocacy are used to a life of just managing to make ends meet, but it is getting harder and harder for many of them to do that,” he said.
“In terms of resilience, what we have found on a positive note is that people recognise and accept when they have mental health issues, and share very quickly information on how to access community support programs.”
Mr Phillips said the closure of City Life and Frankston Churches Breakfast Club earlier in the year had left many vulnerable Frankston people in need, but that information about where to access meals and other assistance was “very quick” to spread through the community.
Kingston residents also fared well in the survey, revealing very high community feelings of safety and a 7.8 score out of 10 for life satisfaction, the same as the Victorian average.
