$1.91M boost for free seniors’ legal services pilot: Minister
Published Friday, 22 February, 2008 at 10:30 AM
Minister for Communities, Disability Services, ATSIP, Multicultural Affairs, Seniors and Youth
The Honourable Lindy Nelson-Carr
Communities Minister Lindy Nelson-Carr has announced $1.91 million to extend a pilot program offering free legal and support services to seniors who have suffered financial exploitation and elder abuse.
Ms Nelson-Carr made the announcement while visiting the Townsville Seniors Legal and Support Service today which is one of five services taking part in the pilot.
“The pilot is in its early stages and the extra funding will extend it for a second year, giving each service provider and the Department of Communities the best opportunity to fine-tune operations and make improvements,” she said.
“In the first 18 weeks of the pilot, the five services around the State saw 280 clients and delivered community education to 4,768 seniors – that’s an impressive start.”
The State Government provided an initial $1.9 million for the 12-month pilot in June 2007, with Townsville, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Brisbane taking part.
“The services they offer are free and aim to reach seniors who are concerned about or victims of elder abuse, mistreatment and financial exploitation,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Research suggests there’s a number of barriers preventing older people from accessing the support they need, including a lack of knowledge of who to go to as well as feelings of shame or embarrassment,” she said.
“The Seniors Legal and Support Services pilot is breaking down the barriers by providing a place of support where older people can work through issues in a safe and caring environment.
“I’m delighted that Queensland’s lead is being followed by Western Australia and Victoria which have launched similar programs based on the Smart State model.”
Services offered through the pilot include free access to legal information and advice, short-term counselling, individual advocacy, court support and community education.
“Raising awareness of what constitutes abuse and exploitation and where victims and people at risk can go to get help will go a long way towards stopping this terrible social problem of elder abuse.”
For more information, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au or contact the pilot services directly on:
• Brisbane: (07) 3257 1337 (Brisbane Seniors Legal and Support Service)
• Cairns: (07) 4031 7179 (Cairns Legal and Support Service)
• Hervey Bay: (07) 4124 6863 (Hervey Bay Seniors Legal and Support Service)
• Toowoomba: (07) 4616 9700 (Toowoomba Seniors Legal and Support Service)
• Townsville: (07) 4721 5511 (Townsville Seniors Legal and Support Service)
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280
Ms Nelson-Carr made the announcement while visiting the Townsville Seniors Legal and Support Service today which is one of five services taking part in the pilot.
“The pilot is in its early stages and the extra funding will extend it for a second year, giving each service provider and the Department of Communities the best opportunity to fine-tune operations and make improvements,” she said.
“In the first 18 weeks of the pilot, the five services around the State saw 280 clients and delivered community education to 4,768 seniors – that’s an impressive start.”
The State Government provided an initial $1.9 million for the 12-month pilot in June 2007, with Townsville, Cairns, Hervey Bay, Toowoomba and Brisbane taking part.
“The services they offer are free and aim to reach seniors who are concerned about or victims of elder abuse, mistreatment and financial exploitation,” Ms Nelson-Carr said.
“Research suggests there’s a number of barriers preventing older people from accessing the support they need, including a lack of knowledge of who to go to as well as feelings of shame or embarrassment,” she said.
“The Seniors Legal and Support Services pilot is breaking down the barriers by providing a place of support where older people can work through issues in a safe and caring environment.
“I’m delighted that Queensland’s lead is being followed by Western Australia and Victoria which have launched similar programs based on the Smart State model.”
Services offered through the pilot include free access to legal information and advice, short-term counselling, individual advocacy, court support and community education.
“Raising awareness of what constitutes abuse and exploitation and where victims and people at risk can go to get help will go a long way towards stopping this terrible social problem of elder abuse.”
For more information, visit www.communities.qld.gov.au or contact the pilot services directly on:
• Brisbane: (07) 3257 1337 (Brisbane Seniors Legal and Support Service)
• Cairns: (07) 4031 7179 (Cairns Legal and Support Service)
• Hervey Bay: (07) 4124 6863 (Hervey Bay Seniors Legal and Support Service)
• Toowoomba: (07) 4616 9700 (Toowoomba Seniors Legal and Support Service)
• Townsville: (07) 4721 5511 (Townsville Seniors Legal and Support Service)
Media contact: Minister Nelson-Carr’s office 3235 4280