Elder Abuse Prevention Collaborative

Blue Sky Community Services works to enhance community safety and prevent and respond to the abuse of vulnerable community members.

Elder abuse is a largely unrecognised form of abuse in our communities. Elder abuse is mistreatment of an older person that is committed by someone with whom the older person has a relationship of trust such as a partner, family member, friend or carer. Elder abuse may be physical, social, financial, psychological or sexual and can include mistreatment and neglect.

2016 marked the annual, internationally recognised World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEEAD). WEEAD encourages community participation on a broad scale to draw attention to elder abuse.

Blue Sky Community Services collaborated with the Mid North Coast Local Health District and other local Community Services to plan and host an elder abuse forum with the theme of ‘Let’s talk about it – Happy Healthy Ageing’. The forum aimed to raise awareness of Elder Abuse and to spread the message that older people who are socially connected and who live active lives are less at risk of abuse.

Attendees were able to access information about elder abuse and how to gain needed support and assistance. Attendees reported they were able to access the information they needed and that the day was a strong networking and awareness raising opportunity.

The collaborative is hoping to hold more events to raise awareness of elder abuse and to provide people with the information and support they need. We are looking for more services to be involved in this worthwhile endeavour.

You can find out how to be part of the Elder Abuse Prevention Collaboration or about upcoming events by:

Emailing us at contact@bluesky.org.au

Phoning us on (02) 6651 1788

If you are experiencing elder abuse or know of someone who is, please call:

The Elder Abuse Hotline on 1800 628 221

Contact Us

Shop 21, 20 Gordon Street Coffs Harbour
PO Box 799, Coffs Harbour, NSW, 2450
(02) 6651 1788