AASHA BRINGS HOPE FOR SENIOR COMMUNITY MEMBERS

Team AASHA on 2^nd June, 2018 held a Forum at Blacktown Senior Citizens Centre, to help older members of Western Sydney’s Indian and South Asian community to better understand their legal and financial rights.

Many community leaders and approximately 200 community members attended the Forum.

AASHA team members, volunteers and supporters did a wonderful job of running an excellent event. Everyone appreciated the efforts of AASHA Australia Foundation to celebrate ageing as a way of life and create proactive awareness about Dementia and seniors rights.

The event, which included an expert panel discussion, Q&A session with the panel, cultural entertainment and an Indian-style high tea, is the second collaboration between Seniors Rights Service, AASHA Australia Foundation and NSW Elder Abuse Helpline and Resource Unit (EAHRU).

Sharing their expertise at the forum, titled “Everyone Deserves Respect” was a Seniors Rights Service lawyer, AASHA co-founder and general practitioner Dr Praful Valanju, and representatives from EAHRU, NSW Police and Centrelink.

The aim of the Forum was to inform the community about issues such as gifting money to relatives and its potential effect on pensions, and the risks of lending money without financial advice. Also covered were topics such as, power of attorney, how organisations such as Seniors Rights Service and EAHRU can provide assistance, and the role of the police force in guaranteeing older people’s financial, legal and personal rights.

AASHA representatives indicated the way in which AASHA AUSTRALIA FOUNDATION can assist and support seniors on matters raised, and discussed, by members of the panel.

Seniors Rights Service’s Manager of Education and Community Project, Diana Bernard, said the focus of the afternoon event at Blacktown Senior Citizens Centre was on informing and empowering older people in the Indian and South Asian community.

“We want people to understand their legal rights in assisting their children financially and in being able to protect themselves,” Diana Bernard said. “By all means help your family, but protect yourselves first.”

AASHA director Bijinder Dugal said many older members of the Indian community were unaware of how to get help when needed, or, for cultural reasons, were often reluctant or scared to come forward if they needed assistance.

“There’s a stigma; people don’t like to share that they may be having problems”, Bijinder Dugal said. “But people should know what’s available to them and they should feel comfortable accessing those services. They need to know there is support for them. We want to raise awareness and connect people to various services.”

Everyone Deserves Respect provided an opportunity for the community to find out more about the rights of older people, and was a great afternoon with information, discussions, entertainment and high tea Indian Style. Last November, a similar event at Pennant Hills Community Centre, attracted approximately 150 people.

Entertainment, organised by Vinod Rajput, included Gidda dance by seniors, Bollywood dance by Shivali, Punjabi song by Davinder Dharia and group song by Vinod, Daxa,Prag, Seema and Kedar.

Delicious Samosas, Dhokla, Jalebi and Pakoras were prepared and served by Daxa, Becky, Rajinder and Sudha.

The hard-working AASHA team managed the front desk, setting up the hall, stage decorations and raffle.

The Blacktown Seniors Centre came alive with dancing, singing and laughter. Everyone had a great time.

To organise and continue these, and other activities for seniors, AASHA needs community support.

HOW CAN YOU SUPPORT AASHA?

• BECOME A MEMBER
• DONATE
• SPONSOR OUE EVENTS
• VOLUNTEER

CONTACT:

AASHA: www.aashaaustralia.org.au, Bijinder Dugal: 0433163239   , Dr

Valanju: 0433163239, Dr Sunder-0422887906, info@aashaaustralia.org.au

Details regarding Seniors Rights Service, a leading community legal centre and an aged-care advocacy organisation, can be found at: seniorsrightsservice.org.au ; phone: 1800424079.