Latest news with #AgeConcern
Otago Daily Times
12-06-2025
- General
- Otago Daily Times
Tireless supporter's work recognised
Taking a break from Friday Club kitchen duties are newly-named dignity champion Kerry Burton (left) and her mother Patricia Andreassend. PHOTO: SHELLEY INON A selfless Timaru grandmother has been named an honorary Age Concern dignity champion. Kerry Burton received her award at Age Concern South Canterbury's Friday Club last week. Miss Burton said she did shed a few tears when receiving her award. Dignity champions are nominated by people in Age Concern nationwide, to celebrate those who have made an impact in their area, supporting the wellbeing and upholding the dignity and value of older people in the community. While a person was celebrated every month of the year, there had not been a Dignity Champion in South Canterbury for two years. Miss Burton said she had been a street child at the age of 15. While her mother had made a point of telling her the door was always open, she had found it difficult to give up that life. She said she would steal clothes off clotheslines to keep warm. Two decades ago Miss Burton had gone to church and changed her life around. She was a mother to five children — Aleisha, Amy, Alannah, Shikota and Danielle — and a grandmother to 15 grandchildren, one of whom, 4-year-old Storm, lived with her. "She's slow in her development, and has just started to walk. "We have had a journey with Storm, but she is my little angel." Despite having her hands full, she had decided 12 years ago give back to the community. She had been a key volunteer at the Friday Club for over a decade, cooking lunches for the event and even getting her mother Patricia Andreassend to volunteer too. She had also prepared lunches at Oceanview Heights School and served on the school's board of trustees. The Age Concern South Canterbury nomination said she had "quietly made life better for many". She said the place allowed her a spot to smile, joke and be silly. "They give me a hard time, always asking 'are you smiling today?'. "I love this place."
Otago Daily Times
11-06-2025
- Health
- Otago Daily Times
Signs of elder abuse in spotlight
The serious, but often hidden, issue of elder abuse in New Zealand is top of mind for the Age Concern Otago team, which is working hard to keep older people in the region safe. This Sunday is World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a time to shine a light on the mistreatment of older people and call for collective action to stand up for seniors and ensure they can live with dignity, respect and safety. Age Concern Otago chief executive Mike Williams, who took up the role in January, said the organisation's dedicated Elder Abuse Response Service (EARS) team were busier than ever. The EARS team of four social workers, led by Central Otago-based Rosanna Pritchard, supported 387 older people last year experiencing alleged elder abuse across the region. Types of abuse reported included emotional, financial and physical abuse, along with neglect — often at the hands of those they trusted most. Across New Zealand, Age Concern was involved in 2817 cases of elder abuse from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024. Of those allegedly causing the harm, 88% were family members, of which 50% were adult children or grandchildren. Age Concern New Zealand chief executive Karen Billings-Jensen said elder abuse was not just a private issue, it was "a community issue". "On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we urge all New Zealanders to learn the signs of abuse, speak up and support older people in their lives and communities." This year, Age Concern's theme for World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is "spot the signs". It calls on individuals, whānau, community groups, organisations and businesses to help raise awareness and take appropriate action. Ms Pritchard said the Age Concern Otago EARS team, which comprised Dunedin-based social workers Tim Ollerenshaw and Trici Grothe-Robertson, Oamaru-based social worker Sharon McGregor and Dunedin-based community social worker Annie Nevin, were dealing with increasingly complex cases of elder abuse. "Unfortunately, older people are finding that the health services and other back-stops they may have relied on in the past have vanished," she said. In addition, more older people were living in trailers and caravans and moving around more, which made it difficult to maintain support networks. Families were also often scattered around New Zealand and overseas. On the flip side of the coin, some older people were finding themselves caring for adult children who had returned home due to economic circumstances or issues with drugs, alcohol or mental health. "Financial abuse is a major issue — we are seeing lots and lots of money being taken from older people," she said. "And this is really distressing for our clients — these are people that they love and should be able to trust." When there were difficulties with family members, the Age Concern team could be a buffer and provide confidential support. "Our focus is on the older person and what they want and need — that is the most important thing." Ms Pritchard said it was encouraging that growing numbers of older people were reaching out to report elder abuse and request support, along with reports by concerned friends, neighbours and family members. EARS is also a member of the local Whāngaia Ngā Pā Harakeke team, part of a national framework through which police, iwi and organisations work in partnership to reduce family harm. Mr Williams said the demand on the Otago EARS team, and the complex nature of many situations, meant the service was under increasing pressure. "Complex situations take longer to unravel and deal with, which adds to the pressure," he said. "We are already working at capacity and are acutely aware that more people are at crisis point and needing our help." Mr Williams came to the Age Concern Otago chief executive role after a long career in the mental health, prisoner rehabilitation and children's health and wellbeing fields. "Since I have been working with the Age Concern team, I have been impressed by the heart and passion they have for our older people," he said. "This is a great organisation, and the services we offer are highly valued by the community." How You Can Help: • Learn to spot the signs of elder abuse and how to respond. • Check in with older friends, neighbours and whānau. • If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact Age Concern's Elder Abuse Response Service at 0800652105 (weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm) or the national 24-hour helpline at 0800EANOTOK (08003266865), for free, confidential support. • More information on the free, confidential Age Concern Otago Elder abuse Response Service (EARS) can be found online at
Scoop
11-06-2025
- General
- Scoop
Stand Up For Our Seniors: Age Concern NZ Marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
Press Release – Age Concern Elder abuse is a serious and often hidden issue in New Zealand. Each year, Age Concern supports thousands of older people who are experiencing various forms of abuse often at the hands of those they trust most. On 15 June, Age Concern New Zealand will join the global community in recognising World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a time to shine a light on the mistreatment of older people and to call for collective action to ensure dignity, respect, and safety for all older New Zealanders. Elder abuse is a serious and often hidden issue in New Zealand. Each year, Age Concern supports thousands of older people who are experiencing various forms of abuse — including emotional, financial, physical, and neglect — often at the hands of those they trust most. In the 12 months from 1 July 2023 – 30 June 2024, Age Concern was involved in 2817 cases of elder abuse. 88% of alleged people who caused harm were family members, of which 50% were adult children or grandchildren. 'Elder abuse is not just a private issue — it's a community issue,' says Karen Billings-Jensen, Chief Executive of Age Concern NZ. 'On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we urge all New Zealanders to learn the signs of abuse, speak up, and support older people in their lives and communities.' This year, Age Concern's theme is 'Spot the Signs'. It calls on individuals, whānau, community groups, organisations, and businesses to help raise awareness and take appropriate action. How You Can Help: Learn to spot the signs of elder abuse and how to respond. Check in with older friends, neighbours, and whānau. Support Age Concern's work through donations Attend local events during 15-22 June, listed on Share messages of support on social media using #WEAAD and #AgeConcernNZ If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact Age Concern's Elder Abuse Response Service at 0800 65 2 105 (weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm) or the national 24-hour helpline at 0800 EA NOT OK, for free, confidential support. Let's work together to create a society where older people are safe, respected, and empowered.
Scoop
11-06-2025
- Scoop
Stand Up For Our Seniors: Age Concern NZ Marks World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
On 15 June, Age Concern New Zealand will join the global community in recognising World Elder Abuse Awareness Day (WEAAD), a time to shine a light on the mistreatment of older people and to call for collective action to ensure dignity, respect, and safety for all older New Zealanders. Elder abuse is a serious and often hidden issue in New Zealand. Each year, Age Concern supports thousands of older people who are experiencing various forms of abuse — including emotional, financial, physical, and neglect — often at the hands of those they trust most. In the 12 months from 1 July 2023 - 30 June 2024, Age Concern was involved in 2817 cases of elder abuse. 88% of alleged people who caused harm were family members, of which 50% were adult children or grandchildren. 'Elder abuse is not just a private issue — it's a community issue,' says Karen Billings-Jensen, Chief Executive of Age Concern NZ. 'On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, we urge all New Zealanders to learn the signs of abuse, speak up, and support older people in their lives and communities.' This year, Age Concern's theme is 'Spot the Signs'. It calls on individuals, whānau, community groups, organisations, and businesses to help raise awareness and take appropriate action. How You Can Help: Learn to spot the signs of elder abuse and how to respond. Check in with older friends, neighbours, and whānau. Support Age Concern's work through donations Attend local events during 15-22 June, listed on Share messages of support on social media using #WEAAD and #AgeConcernNZ If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, contact Age Concern's Elder Abuse Response Service at 0800 65 2 105 (weekdays 8.30am-4.30pm) or the national 24-hour helpline at 0800 EA NOT OK, for free, confidential support. Let's work together to create a society where older people are safe, respected, and empowered.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
'It's rewarding' - The Westcliff café working hard to keep sense of community alive
IN a time of rising prices, struggling high streets and increasing social isolation, one Westcliff café is working hard to keep a sense of community alive. For the past three years, KB Café has been offering affordable food, activities and a friendly atmosphere from Age Concern's Haven Community Hub on Hamlet Court Road. Manager, James Wilsher, has said that while business is going well, he would like to see more residents taking advantage of the much-loved space. We're now on WhatsApp! Join our new channel at to get all the latest breaking news and exclusive stories delivered straight to your phone. Satisfaction - James is passionate about the work he does (Image: James Wilshire) 'Community cafés are a bit of a dying breed, but we've managed to keep going as an alternative to the area's many coffee shops and restaurants,' said James. 'It's really all about trying to run this place for the community – we're not just the biggest café in Westcliff but are also a lot more welcoming and less sterile than the high street names.' The café is based inside the Haven Community Hub, a beloved feature of Hamlet Court Road that is currently operated by Age Concern Southend. Community - A range of activities and events take place at the cafe every week (Image: James Wilshire) For James, KB Café's unique location plays a large part in the business's survival, offering a pleasant place for residents to meet and relax. 'Because we rent the space from Age Concern, the average customer tends to be a bit older, but we're seeing more young people popping in which is great,' he said. 'I think that in an area like Westcliff, where there can be a bit of a negative reputation, it's great to have somewhere that feels safe, relaxed and friendly to spend some time. 'The Haven building has a legacy of its own and it's really nice to have a home with a lot of history.' Value - James says the café serves good food at affordable prices (Image: James Wilshire) Having run various restaurants and bars over the past three decades, including The Peterboat in Old Leigh, KB Café has given James a new sense of satisfaction. 'I've been doing hospitality for 30 years and have managed loads of different places, but this work is much more rewarding,' he said. 'We get to interact with the customers and quite often they're coming in for a sense of connection as much as anything else.' James added: 'I'd love to see more people stopping by because we certainly have the space and offer something for everyone. 'It's less about what we can get from our customers and more about what we can give them.'
