DrMaja Moensted

Young people and chronicity: Growing up well in precarious times (LP240100339)

Co-investigators: Associate Professor Sophie Lewis, Professor Lorraine Smith, Professor Grace Spencer, Dr Maja Moensted, Dr Stephen Hughes, Dr Joanna Harnett, Lisa Todd, Anthony Flynn.

Partners: Epilepsy Action Australia, Asthma Australia

Funded by: ARC

The cost-of-living crisis and surging healthcare costs have had a disproportionately damaging effect on young people. This impact has been especially pronounced for the one in three young Australians aged 15 to 24 with a chronic health condition. In partnership with Epilepsy Action Australia, Asthma Australia, and young people, this project will examine, from multiple perspectives, how young people and their families navigate the social, educational and financial aspects of growing up while living with a chronic condition. Findings will be used to co-develop publicly available resources to support young people, families and other key stakeholders such as educators, advoacates and care providers

Sick, lonely and left behind?

Co-investigators: Dr Sophie Lewis, Prof Karen Willis and Prof Lorraine Smith

Funded by: ARC

A sociological study of loneliness. Loneliness is a serious and rapidly growing social problem in Australia. Although the negative health effects and mounting healthcare costs of loneliness are known, effective responses to loneliness are not. Taking a sociological approach, this project aims to generate new knowledge about the experience and meanings of loneliness for people and communities, and the social factors implicated in the rise of loneliness in contemporary Australia. By focusing on loneliness in people with long-term health conditions, this knowledge will be used to develop policy and practice recommendations for the health- and community-care sectors in how to support people and communities experiencing loneliness.

Finding common ground: Evaluation of comprehensive integrated social and health service delivery to highly vulnerable people in social housing

Co-investigators: Ass Prof Carolyn Day and Prof Paul Haber

Funded by: Centre of Research Excellence (CRE) for Integrated Community Care for People with Complex Multi-morbidities (CRE-CoM)

There is strong evidence that people who experience severe adversity will have a higher prevalence of health, wellbeing and legal problems across their life course. This qualitative study focuses on advancing knowledge regarding the health and social needs of people living in adversity. Specifically, the project will evaluate the experiences of residents in a socially integrated housing complex for highly vulnerable people (formerly long-term homeless). A collaborative, interagency approach is employed, and the study will be undertaken in partnership with local consumers, service providers and key stakeholders. The qualitative design allows for systematic documentation of the complex meanings and experiences as well as opportunities and challenges of living and working within the social housing complex at the personal, interpersonal and community levels.