While Seniors Rights Victoria has a small group of volunteer speakers, their impact is enormous! Our Community Education Volunteers help to counter ageism and raise awareness about the different types of elder abuse, the risks and how to prevent it. They also have a valuable role connecting people who are experiencing elder abuse to Seniors Rights Victoria’s free services and support.
Because of our volunteers, Seniors Rights Victoria is able to reach many more people across Victoria. This year, volunteer speakers helped deliver 93 education sessions to some 3,121 participants. Nearly half were in regional and rural areas, from places as far away as Portland in the west to Mallacoota in the east.
Through regular meetings at Seniors Rights Victoria, the volunteer speakers also feed back issues that participants have raised. This informs our work, especially when it comes to choosing topics for future talks and resources.
Most of our volunteers have been involved for more than two years. They bring with them valuable skills, a rich tapestry of lived experiences, and a genuine commitment to ensuring that people can live with dignity and respect in the community as they age. At the same time, they continue to build their knowledge by participating in training and development.
This year marks 30 years of National Volunteer Week in Australia, recognising the impact and commitment of volunteers. This National Volunteer Week, starting 20 May, we salute the work of the Seniors Rights Victoria volunteers in elder abuse prevention.