October 2024

This week marks the 26th year of Seniors Week, running from October 14-20, with this year’s theme, “Intergenerational Connections.” This theme highlights the importance of fostering relationships between generations, celebrating the wisdom and contributions of older Tasmanians while promoting meaningful interactions across age groups.

Relationships Australia Tasmania, Manager of Post Separation Services, Simon Reeve emphasises the significance of intergenerational relationships in building strong communities.

“Seniors Week is a wonderful opportunity to bridge the gap between generations, allowing everyone to connect, share stories, and learn from one another,” Mr. Reeve said. “We believe that the experience and insights of older Tasmanians can greatly enrich the lives of younger generations.”

“Facing changes and making decisions is a challenge for everyone, especially during transitional life stages,” Mr Reeve continued. “By encouraging intergenerational dialogue, we can create a supportive environment where families come together to navigate these changes. It is also important for family members from different generations to hear each other and reach agreements to avoid arguments or situations that may lead to elder abuse”

Since 2020, Relationships Australia Tasmania has delivered the Elder Relationship Service, an evidence-based, client-centred service model that prioritises the voice of the older person – supporting more than 400 older Tasmanians, from across the State in over 1800 counselling and mediation sessions since its inception.

“Whether it’s about care arrangements, or simply having those tough conversations, our professional counsellors are here to help,” Mr. Reeve explained. “We aim to empower older individuals and their families to approach these discussions with confidence and understanding.”

This service can help older people and their families to:

• prevent or resolve family conflict.
• have difficult conversations.
• plan for the future (including medical, health, financial or living arrangements).
• resolve differences in ways that improve their relationships.
• make decisions that protect the interests, rights and safety of families.

Attending the Elder Relationship Service is voluntary and confidential, within the limits of the law. Everyone gets the opportunity to express their view with the support of an independent practitioner. The Elder Relationship Service is staffed by trained mediators and counsellors with specific skills in delivering services to people experiencing conflict about ageing-related issues.

Collated data from the Tasmanian Elder Abuse Helpline in 2021 indicates that around 43 per-cent were referred to the RA Tas Elder Relationships Service for counselling and mediation support.

Join us in celebrating Seniors Week from October 14-20, where together we can strengthen community bonds across generations.

To make an appointment, call us on 1300 364 277 and talk to one of our friendly staff.

Thanks to the generous support of the Tasmanian Government, this is a free service.

Special Note: Relationships Australia Tasmania, Manager of Post Separation Services, Simon Reeve will be available for media interview throughout Seniors Week.

-ends here-

Media Contact: A.Mark Thomas, M&M Communications, 0422 006 732

About Relationships Australia Tasmania

At Relationships Australia Tasmania we provide families, couples, individuals, older people, children and communities with tools and strategies, so that they have healthy, positive lives. We help more than 8000 Tasmanians every year to transform and change their lives through counselling, mediation, dispute resolution, support and training.

Our focus is on:

• healthy relationships, conflict resolution, parenting, cultural issues and mental health
• We offer people the services and support they need, when they need it to assist them when life presents challenges.
• Services are available to all people regardless of cultural background, family structure, economic situation, religious beliefs, gender or sexual orientation.

More information about the services and support we offer can be found on our website www.tas.relationships.com.au