A Boost for Seniors’ Wellbeing
Furthermore, a recent report, commissioned by the ACT Government, has shed light on a heartening development in Canberra. It reveals that aging residents are experiencing improved mental health outcomes as they grow older.
This encouraging revelation coincides with the opening of the 2023-24 Seniors Grant program, which invites applications for projects aimed at enhancing the well-being of older Canberrans and strengthening their ties to the local community.
Promoting an Age-Friendly Canberra
Moreover, the Seniors Grant program plays a pivotal role in the ongoing efforts to transform Canberra into an age-friendly city. These grants, specifically tailored for this purpose, are dedicated to supporting innovative initiatives. They not only highlight older Canberrans as cherished members of the community but also facilitate their active participation in civic life.
Minister Encourages Innovative Proposals
Minister for Seniors and Veterans Emma Davidson has extended a warm invitation to individuals with innovative ideas for supporting older Canberrans. She emphasizes the significance of the Seniors Grants in addressing the diverse needs of the city’s senior population and encourages applicants, regardless of the scale of their proposals.
“The Seniors Grants are an important avenue for supporting the diverse needs of our city’s senior population,”
Minister Davidson said.
“I encourage all those who have great ideas both big and small to put their proposals forward.”
“We particularly encourage applications addressing elder abuse, social inclusion, and the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander elders and culturally and linguistically diverse seniors.”
Previous Grant Recipients Making a Difference
Last year, several initiatives received support through the Seniors Grant program, making a meaningful impact on the lives of older Canberrans:
- The Bangladeshi Seniors Club received funding to facilitate various activities that promote social inclusion and active participation among Bangladesh-born seniors, embracing them as valued members of the Canberra community.
- Canberra 100, organized by Embraced Inc., supported ten emerging teenage artists in partnering with centenarians to create portraits, resulting in an art exhibition celebrating the city’s 100-year-olds, as portrayed by local teenage artists.
- Good Omen Goodeze used their grant to establish a weekly knitting and crocheting program, contributing to the well-being of seniors under the auspices of Northside Community Services.
Apply Now for the 2023-24 Seniors Grant
To access more information and apply for the Seniors Grant, please visit the official website at the link. Applications will be accepted until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, October 10th.
Words of Appreciation from 2022 Recipient
Furthermore, Rose Connors Dance, Creative Director at Embraced Inc. and a recipient of the 2022 Seniors Grant expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support they received. She passionately highlighted the pivotal role played by the grant in bringing their intergenerational arts program to life.
This initiative not only fostered cross-generational friendships but also facilitated mutual learning and invaluable exchanges among ACT super-seniors.
Sources: THX News & Australian Government.
