Three Bay of Plenty organisations have received funding towards their elder abuse prevention intiatives.

The funding is part of the $250,000 elder Abuse Prevention fund recently announced by the Office of Senior.

'We know that one in 10 older people experience elder abuse in New Zealand. We hope that these projects will help us in our mission in preventing elder abuse and raising awareness.” says Diane Turner, Office for Seniors Director.

Returned Services Association Rotorua recieved $11,873 towards boosting elder abuse prevention by developing a profesional network and development programme, with and for providers and their supervisors which will culminate in the Waiariki Elder Abuse Prevention Conference in June 2023.

'Elder abuse responders are most grateful that the Waiariki Elder Abuse Prevention project has been funded by the Office for Seniors. Based on research into increasing incidence and siloed services, with elder abuse significantly under reported, the WEAP will aim to achieve greater professional unity through professional development in a context of manaakitanga,” says RSA Rotorua project lead Dr Reynold Macpherson.

Family Focus Rotorua received $25,000 towards an abuse awareness and prevention programme offered to older people and their carers.

The programme will comprise of an abuse prevention education session followed by an activity to help reinforce learning and build relationships with other participants.

Nga Tai Iwi Authority received $25,000 towards a project aimed at educating whānau on how to recognise elder abuse.

The project aims to lift the mauri of all pakeke, celebrating mana whenua and cultural identity.

'The funding will increase our organisations capacity to work with Te Kaunihera Kaumātua o Ngai Tai in partnership with Te Tari Kaumātua to ensure the safety and protection of all older persons within our community. This is a first principle action of safety and wellbeing for the kaumātua from Ngai Tai and the community of Torere and the wider Opotiki district.” Muriwai Jones and Reverend Te Aururangi Davis, Nga Tiamana e Rua o Te Kaunihera Kaumatua o Ngai Tai, Torere Co Chairs - The Tribal Authority of Ngai Tai, Torere.

To see the full list of successful Elder Abuse Prevention Fund projects go to the Office for Seniors website: Elder Abuse Prevention Fund | Te Tari Kaumātua (officeforseniors.govt.nz)