Program pairs socially isolated residents one-on-one with community members for emotional support, wellness checks and companionship; Jungnang-dong leaders, civic groups and volunteers join community-centered care safety net
Jungnang-gu held a launch ceremony Monday for its "Jungnang Neighbor Connection" pairing program, kicking off a community-centered effort to strengthen the care safety net for socially isolated households.
The program builds on "Jungnang Donghang Sarangnet," the district's flagship welfare brand — a community welfare platform that links welfare and volunteer services online and offline to create a mutual-support network among Jungnang-gu's 400,000 residents. About 25,000 people currently participate in the platform.
The initiative pairs socially isolated households — including those at risk of dying alone, recipients of integrated care support and elderly residents living alone — one-on-one with local residents and organizations to provide emotional support and help build social connections. Participants carry out regular activities tailored to each person's needs, such as wellness check-ins, companionship, walks, grocery runs and marking special occasions.
The launch ceremony drew 68 participants, including Jungnang-dong leaders, neighborhood civic groups, volunteer camp representatives and childcare center staff. The event featured a screening of a program activity video, followed by the presentation of partnership certificates, participant testimonials, a group performance and a commemorative photo session.
Jungnang-dong leaders are residents who completed a dedicated training course before being appointed to the role; they serve as a human safety net within the community alongside their pairing activities. The district plans to expand its community care system — restoring neighborly ties and preventing social isolation — by encouraging voluntary participation from residents and local organizations.
The district began rolling out the program in May and has completed pairings with 184 households to date, with a target of 800 pairings by year's end. A total of 220 people are currently involved, including Jungnang-dong leaders, civic group members, volunteer camp participants, childcare center staff and individual volunteers.
"Social isolation is a challenge the community must tackle together," District Mayor Ryu said. "We will continue to strengthen a care system built on the participation of residents and local organizations, and work toward a warm Jungnang where no one is left behind."
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