NON-profit group Mentis Assist has its sights on age-friendly Mornington Peninsula as it works to provide support to older people in the community.
The 30-year-old group last week received the Age Friendly Local Business Award at the Mornington Peninsula Delys Sargeant Age-Friendly Awards.
The awards recognise individuals, clubs, services or businesses that contribute towards a supportive community for older people. They aim to shine a light on older people, promoting respect and an age-friendly community.
“Mentis Assist is the only organisation on the peninsula that provides a range of social group services for over 50s to support their mental and overall health,” CEO Terry Palioportas said.
Seniors support groups run five days a week, promoting friendships among those experiencing mental illness, disability, loneliness and isolation, and provide a safe place for older people to discuss issues.
“Mentis Assist seeks to empower older people, providing them with the tools and supports to maintain their independence – a core element in wellbeing,” Mr Palioportas said.
The service’s access and support programs link older people with mental and physical health services in the area. It works with housing, family, financial, and legal services, community centres, councils, aged care assessment teams, memory and dementia clinics, and social workers.
Mr Palioportas said the community had a “responsibility to provide older people with support as they are one of the most valuable yet vulnerable groups”.
“During this season of people’s lives, loneliness, disability and mental illness are common,” he said. Details: mentisassist.org.au
First published in the Mornington News – 29 August 2017
