Mullingar man, Bernard O’Farrell and Cork man Greg Mulcahy have won the first prize in the HSE elder abuse short film competition entitled Open Your Eyes – Open Your Lens. The purpose of the short film competition was to raise awareness of the issue of elder abuse. The HSE invited the public to submit a short film of between 30 to 60 seconds in duration to YouTube based on the theme Open Your Eyes – Open Your Lens.
The winning pair, whose short film can be viewed at www.hse.ie and www.youtube.com/HSEIreland scooped the €1,000 cash prize in the general category.
Tim Shearwood from Dromiskin Co. Louth, who attends Dundalk IT, won the first prize in the education category.
There were two competition categories; one category was open to full-time students and the other to the general public. Cash prizes of €1000, €500, and €250 have been awarded for entries placed first, second, and third respectively in each category. Ninety-six entries were received by the HSE.
The judging panel comprised representatives from the HSE, Age Action, Animo Communications (an award winning media production company ), The Alzheimer’s Society of Ireland, and broadcaster George Hook,.
Speaking about the competition, Noel Mulvihill, assistant national director for older persons services, HSE said, “We were incredibly impressed with all the entries we received for this competition. The quality and high number of entries suggests an increased awareness and a better understanding of the issue of elder abuse among all age groups. Many of the entries outlined how to recognise elder abuse and what do about it. As a result judging was difficult.
“The HSE elder abuse service received over 1,800 referrals of alleged abuse in 2009; however we believe there is underreporting of abuse amongst older people. Anyone who is being abused, or is concerned about elder abuse, should talk to someone they trust or they can contact the HSE, a GP, public health nurse, or social worker safe in the knowledge that the report will be treated in confidence and, as much as possible, handled in a way that respects the wishes of the older person.
“Congratulations to the winners and thank you to everyone who entered the competition. Special thanks also to the judging panel for their dedication to the project and to the educational organisations for encouraging their students to get involved. Their support will help to raise awareness of elder abuse,” he added.
