SRV holds ‘Stir A Cuppa with Seniors’ event in Melbourne
As part of World Elder Abuse Day (15th June), Seniors Rights Victoria (SRV), a key program of Council on the Ageing (COTA) Victoria, will host their annual event, ‘Stir A Cuppa with Seniors,’ highlighting the critical role of grandparents in families.
The afternoon tea will boast a panel discussion facilitated by Gerard Mansour, Commissioner for Senior Victorians and Ambassador for Elder Abuse Prevention, as well as guest speaker Dr Marlene Krasovitsky, Co-chair and Director of EveryAGE Counts campaign.
The discussion will explore how intergenerational relationships can positively impact young people’s health and well-being from childhood to adulthood.
As part of the World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD) event, SRV will also release a new resource specifically for grandparents, providing valuable information on the importance of grandparents in family life and offering suggestions for ways in which challenges faced by grandparents can be resolved.
According to Dr Rebecca Edwards, Manager and Principal Lawyer of Seniors Rights Victoria, the brochure is aimed at grandparents who may be facing personal challenges and provides recommended strategies to assist in overcoming these obstacles.
‘SRV has seen situations where grandparents may be denied contact with their grandchildren due to complex family dynamics, family disputes, custody issues, illness, divorce or separation. Grandparents may also feel pressured to provide financial or other support for their grandchildren, as well as being concerned about their grandchildren’s safety in the face of family violence,’ Dr Edwards said.
‘Senior Rights Victoria wanted to provide the information, referrals and advice needed if grandparents are faced with these challenges in an easy to access format.
‘Estrangement from grandchildren is often a complex situation, mixed with high levels of emotion and anxiety.
‘Although it’s not always possible, SRV aims to assist grandparents to maintain a connection with their grandchildren and have a sense of hope that a positive outcome may prevail.
Dr Edwards says that the ‘Stir A Cuppa with Seniors’ has resonated well with older Victorians and is pleased that in 2022, SRV is able to host the event face to face – a first in two years.
‘SRV’s ‘Stir A Cuppa with Seniors; on World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, reflects the simplicity of how a cuppa can be a catalyst for compassion, connection and conversation.’
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 15th June 2022
Time: 2:00pm – 4:00pm
Location: City of Melbourne Bowls Club in the Flagstaff Gardens
To register: bit.ly/StiraCuppa or 9655 2129
To seek advice or support contact SRV Helpline on 1300 368 821 or go to seniorsrights.org.au.