Seniors Connect on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – June 15th, 2017
Mark Your Calendars! June 15th is Work Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD). Show the world you care about ending elder abuse and neglect by wearing something purple on this day. Or better yet, join us from 10am to 3pm at Beban Park Social Centre and learn from field professionals about resources available in our community to target ageism and other forms of abuse and neglect and find out what you can do!
WEAAD activities are intended to bring greater recognition of abuse and neglect of older adults in British Columbia or wherever they live, and to highlight the need for prevention and community involvement in response to the issue. An estimated 4 to 10 percent of adults over 65 in Canada will experience some form of abuse in their later years. For Nanaimo, that means over 2,200 older adults in our community are at risk and the older we get, the higher the degree of risk.
At the day long workshop, you can learn about “It’s Not Right” training for individuals to understand the signs of abuse. Become a “Better Together Community Champion”. Pledge to provide protection and support for the most vulnerable in our city. Enjoy a light lunch, speakers, and activities. The event is free but is limited to 100 participants. Join the Nanaimo Family Life Association (NFLA), Island Health and our Seniors Connect and other community partners and show your support.
The event is now full. If you can’t attend you can still show your support on June 15th – wear purple.
AGENDA
10am – Introduction & Blessing
10:15 am – Keynote, Jane Osborne, Vancouver Island Regional Mentor – BC Community Response Network
10:45 am – Panel Discussion – Identifying and Responding to Elder Abuse in our Community
- Moderator, Cathy Holmes – Program Coordinator Better at Home
- Presenters:
- Sally Fendick, Island Health, Complex Seniors Mental Health Team
- Connie Paul, RN – Snuneymuxw First Nations Home Care Coordinator
- Dr. Penny MacCourt – HealthWell Educators & Consultants, Better Together Nanaimo
- Anne Taylor, Executive Director Haven Society
11:45 am – Ross Jenkins, It’s Not Right
“It’s Not Right” Ross Jenkins – Learn about and sign up for training provided by BC Community Response Network host agencies to individuals and organizations to identify and support those who may be victims of abuse.
12:00 to 1:30 – Lunch and networking session. Enjoy a light lunch and during the time we would invite everyone to take time to network, visit the table displays for information on support against elder abuse. Sign up for It’s Not Right Training in Nanaimo or become a Better Together Champion – both of these free training sessions will provide individuals with tools and knowledge to deal with abuse, neglect and self neglect in our community.
1:30 to 2:45 – Vision Board Activity – Help us create a vision that promotes a world free from abuse for older adults in all it’s forms.
2:45 – Wrap Up.
Nanaimo Family Life Association gratefully acknowledges the support of our sponsors.Thank you to our sponsors Thrifty Foods at Port Place Mall in Nanaimo, the BC Critical Response Network, Island Health and the New Horizons for Seniors Program
