THE COFFS Coast Elder Abuse Prevention Collaborative is holding an event for seniors covering the wider issue of safety.

The Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network (CHOWN) is a member of the re-established Coffs Coast Elder Abuse Collaborative.

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CHOWN coordinator Lorraine Penn told News Of The Area, “Older people tend to be afraid of reporting incidents or seeking help.

“That’s why we have chosen to host a Free Seniors Safety Seminar Morning Tea Event with the focus on financial online or bank books safety, what constitutes elder abuse and seniors’ rights.

Participants will learn answers to the following questions:

– How do you use internet banking safely?

– What about if I use a bank book?

– What is elder abuse and what can you do?

– What do local crime statistics tell us?

– Who advocates for your rights?

“The Collaborative members want to create a relaxed environment where attendees feel comfortable asking questions of the speakers,” Lorraine said.

“The main aim is to assist older people to know more ways of keeping safe and where to go if they need any assistance.

“Holding this morning tea event in the wonderful surroundings of Shoreline with a nice cuppa and cake/scone is a nice way of relaxing and it will encourage the community members to feel at ease to ask those concerning questions,” said Lorraine.

“We are pleased that Senior Constable Richard Allison (Aged Crime Prevention, Coffs/Clarence Police), Emma Lawson (Fraud Team Leader, BCU) and Jill McDonnel (Advocate, Seniors Rights Service) are guest speakers for this event.”

Assuring the public that the Collaborative is here to help seniors in our community, Lorraine added, “This is an excellent opportunity to hear first-hand the issues around financial, coercive control and physical abuse, Internet safety, bank book safeguards and your rights as a senior.”

The gathering is on Wednesday 29 November from 9.30am to 11am at Shoreline Luxury Retirement Living’s Pavilion Room.

It is essential to register for the Seniors Safety Seminar at https://events.humanitix.com/senior-safety-seminar.

If you require any assistance with online registrations, please contact Lorraine Penn on 0404 163 136 or email coffsharbour@ownnsw.org.au.

Collaborative member groups are: Healthy North Coast, Coffs Harbour Older Women’s Network, Mid North Coast Local Health District, Coffs/Clarence Police, EACH Care Finders, Coffs CWA, BlueSky Community Services, Seniors Rights Service, Booroongen Djugun and City of Coffs Harbour.

Judy Bartholomew serves as the Collaborative’s chair.

By Andrea FERRARI