Lotterywest grant to help tackle elder abuse

Wednesday, 17 August 2016
 
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• $121,074 Lotterywest grant to help raise awareness of elder abuse
• New scheme will provide another avenue of support for seniors 

Western Australian seniors at risk of experiencing elder abuse will soon receive extra support thanks to a $121,074 Lotterywest grant.

Seniors and Volunteering Minister Tony Simpson said the grant would fund the development of a network of volunteer peer educators and a resource tool kit that would provide general advice about elder abuse to vulnerable individuals.

The scheme is a partnership between the Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre and Southern Communities Advocacy Legal Education Service and will focus on five local government areas - Joondalup, Stirling, Wanneroo, Kwinana and Rockingham.

"The Liberal National Government is committed to ensuring the wellbeing of all seniors in our community," Mr Simpson said.

"Elder abuse is a complex issue that needs to be addressed by the entire community. 

"The Older People's Peer Education Scheme will increase awareness of the risks of elder abuse and provide seniors with information and strategies to prevent it happening to them."

The Minister said the funding built on existing partnerships between the State Government and community sector to address the issue of elder abuse, including:

• $273,061 for the Older People's Rights Service, which provides legal services for seniors experiencing or at risk of experiencing elder abuse, as well as counselling and support, information, education and referral
• $315,000 for Advocare to deliver and manage the WA Elder Abuse Helpline.  

Fact File

• WA is the only State where money raised from lottery products is distributed directly back to the community to support not-for-profit organisations
• In 2015-16, Lotterywest raised $281.41 million to support the WA community
• For more information, visit http://www.lotterywest.wa.gov.au/grants