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Community

Special Needs Toy Library, Parent Support Groups, Integrated Family Services, Totally Awesome Parents Group, Community Transport and Volunteering

Community

Parent Support Groups

The Strengthening Parent Support Program offers support, information and assistance to parents and carers of infants, children and young people 0-18 years with a disability or developmental delay through: 

• Parent Support Groups and Activities
• Workshops and information forums

• Group work
• Individual parent support 

 

Parent Support Groups offer parents social and emotional support, an opportunity to share information, ideas and time out.

 

If you are a parent of child or younger person who has a disability or developmental delay (0-18 years) you may like to join a support group. Parent Support Groups are held in Warrnambool, Portland and Hamilton.


Community

Integrated Family Services

Integrated Family Services (IFS) provides services that improve outcomes for vulnerable children and young people by working with families to better support and maximise the opportunities for their children.    The Integrated Family Services Practitioners do this by ensuring that the vulnerable children and young people and their families are effectively linked into relevant services.   

 

We provide casework and in-home support to vulnerable families experiencing difficulties.     Providing families with support increases parenting confidence and capacity and this leads to strengthened family relationships, leading to better opportunities and outcomes for children.     Our practitioners work with young people and families so that they can access services and supports that they need to enhance their wellbeing.


Community

Elder Abuse Prevention

Everybody’s Business

Mpower Elder Abuse Prevention Network

 

Did you know that in Australia 1 in 6 (15% or 598,000) people  experienced elder abuse in the past year. This number is likely to increase over time with Australia’s ageing population. While 17% of people in Australia were aged 65 and over in 2021, projections indicate that this group will make up around 21% of the population by 2066 (ABS 2018; 2021).

People in Australia are at increased risk of abuse in their later years. This abuse can take many forms, including psychological or emotional abuse, financial abuse, physical abuse, sexual abuse, and neglect.

Elder abuse that occurs in families differs from other types of family and domestic violence because it often involves abuse of parents by adult children. Abuse can also occur outside of the family, such as in aged care facilities and health care services . Elder abuse can cause a range of physical, psychological, financial and social harms to older people.

 

Valuable resources:

https://providers.dffh.vic.gov.au/elder-abuse

https://www.betterplaceaustralia.com.au/elder-abuse-prevention-services/

https://seniorsrights.org.au/elder-abuse/

 

If you or someone you know are experiencing elder abuse Call the police on 000

Call Seniors Rights Victoria to find out about how you can offer support on the confidential hotline 1300 368 821

 

Prevention

 

Mpower leads the South West Elder Abuse Prevention Network because we know that it is Everybody’s Business to prevent Elder abuse and that together we can make a difference.

 

We will do this by:

  1. To increase awareness about elder abuse and its drivers.

  Current Actions

  • Awareness raising events with community members to participate in crafting purple hands and having conversations around elder abuse.
  • Participating in local roadshows and exhibitions to promote elder abuse awareness and activities.

 

  1. To increase knowledge about elder abuse and its drivers.

Current Actions

  • We are building relationships with key stakeholders to develop a local framework to drive action. To view the framework click here
  • We will work with others to Participate in World Elder Abuse Awareness Day each year

 

  1. To improve beliefs, attitudes and behavioural intention about ageing, gender equality and older people.

Current Actions

  • Delivering a Framing Age Masterclass workshop and a follow up activities to enhance awareness of ageist language.
  • We have produced 3 short films to highlight the value of older pole in our community and to spark community conversations.

 

Shirley talks about ageism:

An old person holding a flower

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"Growing older never worried me; it was just part of life. I love the freedom of setting my own pace and not being tied to deadlines. For me, staying active is key—it's not about age, but fitness. I see people who limit themselves because they think they're too old, but often it's just about keeping up with that daily walk.

Life feels clearer now, like a pattern we all go through. I stay engaged in my community, taking leadership roles and staying connected with the environment. Even though age discrimination happens—I’ve faced it myself—it only strengthens my resolve to keep contributing.

I also reflect on aged care; visiting people in these facilities twice a week is eye-opening. It’s disheartening to see a lack of activities and support for those who can’t move around. Society often misses the value of older people, unlike cultures that hold their elders in high regard.

We live in a world that’s rapidly changed—horses to electric scooters, no internet to Googling everything. I still prefer a world without Facebook! But whether it’s the changes in technology or facing the reality of death, it’s all just part of the journey. And as long as I’m on that journey, I’m here to stay active, engaged, and true to myself." 

See Shirleys story here: https://vimeo.com/1006378732?share=copy

 

Janet’s Story

A person standing in a kitchen

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Janet, 71, shares her refreshing perspective on aging in Warrnambool, refusing to see herself—or those around her—as 'old.' She challenges the stereotypes of aging, emphasising the importance of staying mentally flexible, valuing life experiences, and rejecting the idea of being 'warehoused' in elderly care. Janet embraces her role as an elder, finding joy in learning, books, and self-expression. She believes life can still be full of surprises and happiness, even in later years. Her story is a powerful reminder that aging is more about mindset than years

https://vimeo.com/1005995003?share=copy

 

Jill’s Story

A person sitting at a table with another person

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In this candid interview, Jill shares her thoughts and feelings about approaching 60. She reflects on the challenges and societal expectations she faced after turning 50, including ageism in the job market and the stigma around aging in a small town. Jill talks about the struggle to find meaningful work despite her extensive experience and the doubts that come with being overlooked in favor of younger candidates. She highlights the positives of aging, like finding joy in nature and feeling more at peace with herself, while also expressing concerns about the future of aged care and society’s obsession with youth. Jill's story is one of resilience, embracing her generation's spirit, and challenging stereotypes about getting older.

https://vimeo.com/1010046830?share=copy


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