International Day of Older Persons 2018 - We can all Champion Human Rights and be Human Rights Champions – Take the Pledge!

International Day of Older Persons is a day to celebrate all older people – to highlight the value of all older people and to promote dignity and respect. The 2018 international theme is “Celebrating Older Human Rights Champions“.

This year Age Concern New Zealand want all New Zealanders to sign up as Age Concern Dignity Champions and stand up for the human rights of older Kiwis.

“There is no excuse for elder abuse, says Stephanie Clare, Age Concern New Zealand Chief Executive. I am appalled that we are still having to deal with cases each day where older people are taken advantage of.

“Just because someone is older it doesn’t mean they are less valuable, have less purpose or should lose basic human rights, the right to make their own choices and respect from those around them.

“Of the cases we see, 75% of alleged abusers are family members, either adult children or partners of adult children and that needs to stop!

“So come on Kiwis we all have a part to play. You can take a stand against ageism and join me by signing up today!” says Stephanie.

An Age Concern Dignity Champion pledges to:
• Reject stereotypes and focus on the uniqueness of every individual
• Speak up when they hear people speaking negatively about growing old
• Have the courage to question practices they feel are disrespectful to older people
• Not patronise older people
• Be patient, polite and friendly
• Have zero tolerance for abuse or neglect
• Build relationships – they combat isolation and loneliness by getting to know the older people in their lives.

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The Team from Neighbourly.co.nz

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10 hours ago

🌟 We are now recruiting volunteers at Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman! 🌟

Lenka Caslavska from Citizens Advice Bureau Nelson Tasman

If you are curious about volunteering with us, we would love to hear from you! Training includes supported learning and time alongside an experienced mentor.
“I was surprised by the professionalism of the training. I learned so much about our community, and the support from my mentor helped me find my feet.”
– CAB volunteer
As a CAB volunteer, no two days are the same. One moment you might be helping someone understand their rights after buying something, another you might simply be listening while someone works through a tricky situation. We do not tell people what to do – we help them understand their options and find what works best for them.
While our website is available anytime, many people really value talking with someone face to face. That is why our local offices matter so much.
📍 Our current opening times:
• Richmond (main office), 9a Cambridge Street: Monday to Thursday, 9am-4.30pm
• Nelson: Mondays and Fridays, 9am-4.30pm, sharing space with Age Concern, 18 Bridge Street
• Motueka: Thursdays, 9.30am–1pm at the Motueka Library (reopening soon!)
To offer this free service to everyone in our community, we rely on well-trained volunteers.
To receive an information pack please contact us on:
📧 Email nelsontasman@cab.org.nz
📞 Phone 03 548 2117
Training begins in March 💛