Name change for seniors support service

Later this month TARS will relaunch itself under a new name: Seniors Rights Service. At the same time the organisation is launching a new five year strategic plan to expand its reach and services for vulnerable and disadvantaged older people in NSW.

Seniors Rights Service provides legal, education and advocacy support to older people in NSW and last financial year more than 7,800 people received legal and advocacy services through the service. Over 22,000 people were reached through the organisations’ community education service.

Now in its 30th year, Seniors Rights Service has undertaken many projects which has allowed them to provide greater reach and targeting of people from linguistically and culturally diverse communities and also older members of the gay and lesbian community (LGBTI).

Examples of support in the community include an alcoholic daughter who has become physically aggressive and is demanding rent from her 80-year-old mother. A 90-year-old man in a remote Retirement Village would like to keep the scooter he purchased to assist him get to medical appointments.

An older gay man is frightened that management of his facility is not LGBTI friendly. Communities of non-English speaking older people are facing legal implications due to the risks associated with new financial products. The new name, Seniors Rights Service, reflects this full range of services.

“It is paramount that Seniors Right Service retains its core values but at the same time develops a modern identity,” says president, Craig Gear.

“We feel it’s important to let people know what we stand for in a clear and concise way and our new tagline ‘Your Rights, Your Voice’ reinforces that. The landscape and funding environment within ageing and aged-care is changing and we recognised the need for change.”

Chief executive officer Russel Westacott says the organisation has continued to grow a service throughout complex financial, political and social climates. 

“We feel that this is the right time to invest further into our organisation to create an even stronger presence in the community. This re-brand project represents our ambitious plan to become a leader in the rights and respect of older people,” he says.

Seniors Rights Service will be officially launched on November 24 at a symposium. Speakers at the event will include NSW Minister for Ageing Hon John Ajaka, Elder Law and Human Rights Activist Rodney Lewis and President of Australian Seniors’ Computer Club Association Nan Bosler.

For more information or to RSVP ring 02 9281 3600 or email tars@tars.com.au.