To mark World Elder Abuse Day on Wednesday June 15, staff from the HSE’s Older People Service in conjunction with local community services in Galway are organising a series of workshops to create a greater awareness of elder abuse and the supports that are there for older people. The workshops will run for about two hours and will include a video, discussion, and light refreshments at the end. The workshops are free to attend and all are welcome.
Susan Rodden, senior case worker for Elder Abuse in Galway is one of the organisers of the workshops and said: “In all societies, abuse and neglect of older persons is largely under-recognised or treated as an unspoken problem. Raising awareness is a vital component in the battle against abuse of all kinds. The aim of the workshops is to provide older people with the information they need to recognise the different types of abuse whether they be physical, psychological, financial or a form of neglect; and also what to do in the event of abuse.”
The workshops are taking place at the following locations – please note not all workshops are taking place on Wednesday June 15.
St Francis Community Nursing Unit, Newcastle, Galway
Date: Wednesday June 15
Time: 10.15am until 12 noon
To book a place call Rose O’Connor on 091 - 524575
Croí na Gaillimhe, Nuns Island, Galway
Date: Wednesday June 15
Time: 2.15pm until 4.30pm
To book a place call 091 – 895203
Sonas, Mervue, Galway
Date: Thursday June 16
Time: 2.15pm until 4.30pm
Opening Address: Mr JJ O’Kane, HSE Manager of Older People Services for Galway
To book a place call 091 – 753402
Ballinasloe Social Services Centre, Upper Brackernagh, Ballinasloe
Date: Friday June 17
Time: 12 noon
To book a place call Teresa at 09096 – 43217
Day Centre, Clonbur
Date: Friday June 17
Time: 2.15pm until 4.30pm
No booking required
If you are unable to attend a workshop but suspect that an older person may be experiencing some form of abuse, then you may need to speak with a GP, public health nurse or contact Susan Rodden, senior case worker for elder abuse in Galway at 091 741756 for advice.
