ASB Trust's Grant To Age Concern

5 April 2006

ASB Trust's Grant To Age Concern

Efforts to reduce elder abuse and improve quality of life for older people have gained the support of grantmaker the ASB Trusts.

In the latest round of application decisions, the trusts approved a $235,767 grant to Age Concern Auckland. The money will go toward refitting the organisation’s new base in Rosebank Rd, Avondale, help with running costs and support the production of a services directory. ASB Trusts CEO Jennifer Gill said Age Concern has been at the forefront of efforts to protect and enhance the lives of older New Zealanders, including the highlighting of elder abuse.

Recently Age Concern released the results of a study showing the majority of those abusing elderly people are family members – most commonly sons and daughters.

The organisation says family violence continues to occur even for older people living in residential care, with 66% of abuse or neglect experienced by older people in residential care attributed to family/whanau members.

Age Concern has called for the whole community to act to challenge ageist attitudes which are used to justify abusive behaviour.

It also works to improve quality of life through positive ageing courses, health promotion workshops such as falls prevention, refresher courses for mature drivers, provides a visiting service and financial management assistance. Last year, Age Concern Auckland recorded 39,000 contacts for programmes and services.

The not-for-profit, charitable organisation is part of a federation of local Age Concern Councils which provide information and services in cities and most major provincial centres around the country.

The Age Concern Auckland grant is one of about 50 made to not-for-profit groups by the ASB Trusts this month - part of the $50 million granted to community groups in Auckland and Northland each year.

Also included in this months grants was $172,500 to help toward building of a community facility being built by the Ranui Baptist Community Trust. Founded on the sale of shares in the ASB bank, the ASB Trusts have granted more than $400m since being formed in 1988. Any incorporated or charitable trust can apply for funds, provided they are a not-for-profit organisation. For more details about applying, visit the ASB Trusts’ website: www.asbtrusts.org.nz

ENDS

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