Wear Purple Day

Respect for Seniors will be celebrated in churches and UnitingCare Ageing facilities during the week June 11-17, with Wear Purple Day on Sunday June 17, aligning with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on June 15.

The Respect for Seniors program with the accompanying As Life Goes On DVD was presented at the September 2011 Synod. The DVD features five hypothetical scenarios relating to respect, family relations and areas of risk of abuse.

A kit, comprising the DVD and resources, now sits with the human services officers, or equivalent, in all shire councils in New South Wales and may be borrowed for forums and collaborative work.

Resource material both for Wear Purple Day worship services and wider year- round initiatives may be found at www.respectforseniors.org.

The material provides the opportunity for congregations and UnitingCare agencies to make a difference in their communities as they raise awareness and build capacity to combat ageism and prevent elder abuse.

The program is an initiative of St Ives Uniting Church, supported by UnitingCare Ageing Northern Sydney Region.

Ways to create a caring community

Three ways to help create a safe, caring community where we can all age with dignity and respect:

1. The Colour Purple

Wearing purple is a positive celebration of ageing. Wear it with pride and promote Respect for Seniors.

2. Community Conversations

Have a conversation that encourages discussion and acceptance of different perspectives. You can start with these questions:

• What does respect mean to you?
• How do you show respect for others?
• In what ways do you feel respected by others?

3. Campaign Champions

Introduce these conversations into your social or sporting group, organisation, congregation, work and home.

For more information, call St Ives Uniting Church on 9144 5795.

St Ives Wear Purple Day

St Ives Uniting Church invites you to “Wear Purple Day”, its annual celebration of Respect for Seniors and an

acknowledgment of World Elder Abuse Awareness Day:

Date: Sunday, 17 June 2012

Time: 9:30am – 10:30am, Service

11:00am – 11:45am, Annual Elder’s Interview

Venue: St Ives Uniting Church, corner Douglas and Mona Vale Roads, St Ives.

Worship Service reflection by Mrs Jennifer Johnston, Regional Chaplaincy Coordinator – UnitingCare.

This Year’s eminent elder is Mr Larry Magus, the 2012 Seniors Week Mayoral Award winner, who will be interviewed by the Rev. Dr Rob McFarlane.

For more details, please call 9144 5795 or email office@stivesuc@com.au

www.respectforseniors.org