*The following press release is being shared by the Town on behalf of the Beaver Valley Outreach.
Beginning Thursday April 8th, a series about preventing abuse of older adults and resources for helping people involved in abuse situations, will be offered through BVOs Seniors Centre Without Walls (SCWW)
You may remember a live theatre production, Ye Canna Throw Yer Granny Off A Bus”, that came to town. It was developed by Sheatre: Community Arts for Social Change. Determined to continue its awareness program during Covid 19, Sheatre has produced a 5- episode podcast of ‘The Granny Play.’
Think of a podcast as a radio play. Like the original play, it was created by and for seniors. All cast members are seniors and the situations are based on real life situations.
It uses theatre and music to raise awareness of types of abuse, including neglect. Each podcast episode highlights specific types of abuse. A brief discussion by area experts after the performance is included
Two weeks after the podcast, BVO will host a presentation and discussion by community resource people. Questions and Answers and information about local sources of help will be featured. The series will run, alternating podcast and information, every 2 weeks, over a couple of months.
We know that the abuse of older adults, is often not reported. We also know that since the onset of the Covid 19 pandemic, the Seniors Safety Line (Ontario), reports “an unprecedented number” of desperate calls for information and help.
Seniors have the right to live free from abuse. Community residents who are informed will know about resources that might be helpful and ways in which they could help.
BVO’s SCWW is debuting this series in Ontario. It’s part of a provincial community movement to stop and prevent abuse. With Sheatre and the Older Adult Centres Association of Ontario, BVO has been developing the series for use in Active Lifestyle Seniors Centres and SCWWs across Ontario
We invite everyone to attend; talk to your friends and neighbours. Freedom from abuse for everyone is a priority. We want to be part of the solution, helping eliminate abuse and neglect of older adults. Phone BVO to register for the first part of this innovative series (April 8th & April 22nd). For the Seniors Centre Without Walls, you need only a telephone. No computer or internet is necessary. 519 599 2577, ext. 126 or seniors@bvo.ca for information or to register.