GEORGE NEWS - Legally You and the Pacaltsdorp Police celebrated the success of their fourth annual elderly awareness campaign at the Pacaltsdorp Community Hall on Saturday 18 July.
Held under the theme 'Honouring Our Elderly: Health and Education', the event brought together senior citizens, government departments and community organisations to promote the rights, health, safety and well-being of older persons.
Adv Marilyn Olifant of Legally You said the four-year partnership with the Pacaltsdorp Police has created a valuable platform where senior citizens receive crime prevention education, legal guidance, health information and access to support services. She emphasised that the police's role extends beyond investigating crime to educating communities through awareness initiatives, helping older persons to recognise scams, to report abuse and to access available services.
Pacaltsdorp police sector commanders Warrant Officer Clifton Jantjies and Sergeant Sergio Bowkers and Social Crime Prevention Officer Sergeant Magrieta Jonkers said the initiative supports the objectives of the Older Persons Act by promoting the rights, dignity and safety of senior citizens. They presented talks on crime prevention, personal safety and fraud awareness, encouraging elderly residents to remain vigilant and report suspicious activities.
Representatives of the Western Cape Education Department and the Department of Social Development also addressed the attendees. Rozette Katzen encouraged families to value and care for their older relatives, while Ingrid Phooko highlighted the rights of older persons, the prevention of elder abuse and the support services available to victims of neglect and exploi-tation.
The programme also included physical and mental wellness screenings. Legally You's Angelique Vezasie co-ordinated the mental health assessments and referrals for participants needing additional support.
The event concluded with a fellowship brunch, giving the attendees the opportunity to engage with service providers and community partners.
Olifant thanked all the sponsors, volunteers and stakeholders, and said the continued partnership demonstrates what can be achieved through collaboration to ensure older persons age with dignity, safety and respect.
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