Information Sessions for Staff and Volunteers Who Work with Older People
COTA Tasmania provides information sessions about elder abuse for staff and volunteers in any sector who come into contact with older people as part of their work. The free one-hour sessions are informal and interactive, covering topics such as:
- What is elder abuse?
- What are the signs and risk factors?
- What can I do if I think someone may be experiencing abuse?
To book a session or order posters explaining elder abuse and referral pathways, please contact Julie at juliea@cotatas.org.au or phone COTA Tasmania on 6231 3265.
Peer Education for the Community
COTA Tasmania also plays an active role in the prevention of elder financial abuse through our peer education program. The You’re Worth It and Protecting Your Finances Peer Education team conducts information sessions to raise community awareness of financial elder abuse, help them find information and support, empower older people and increase social support.
COTA Tasmania chose to place our Peer Education program into recess at the end of June 2023 while we look at sustainable funding sources. Interest in our Peer Education sessions has steadily increased over the years, however with no core funding currently available to engage and train more peer volunteers to meet this need.
We also acknowledge the dedication, energy and skills of our long term volunteers of our Peer Education program.
As we requested in our Budget Priorities Statement for 24-25, we will be asking the Government again to commit funding for Education and training as a valuable source of engagement and awareness raising of important issues to the Tasmanian community.
If you believe you or anyone you know may be experiencing elder abuse,
please contact the Elder Abuse Helpline on 1800 441 169
for free, confidential information.
