
Welcome to another edition of COTA Connects. It seems that winter is well and truly on its way. I, for one, have had to start the heater and pull out the winter jarmies and extra blankets. I’m one of the lucky ones: I can afford to use the heater, and I have a home to shelter from the cold. For many this is not the case. As the cost of living increases, many older Victorians are suffering.
The Victorian Government released the budget this month, and our policy team has put together a rundown of how older people have fared. A one-off power saving bonus of $250 will help many, but more needs to be done to support older people with living expenses and even with housing.
We’re running a few events this month. If you or someone you love lives with mental ill-health, our ‘Mental health and wellbeing reform: Unravelling the mystery’ event will help you understand the new reforms. World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is just around the corner (15 June), and once again our Seniors Rights Victoria team will be running Stir A Cuppa With Seniors, this time with a focus on grandparents. On a lighter note with random acts of exercise, you can improve your strength and agility.
So grab yourself a cuppa and enjoy what the team have for you. And remember, you can always invite others to read and subscribe to keep up with all the latest from COTA Victoria.