
Welcome to the first edition of COTA Connects for 2021, and may it be a kinder year for us all.
After a short break, the COTA Victoria Team has returned full of energy and vigour. The COVID-19 situation remains, and although things are starting to return to some sort of normal, we aren’t out of the woods yet. We will endeavour to keep you up to date with the latest restrictions and guidelines so you can continue to safely go out and about. If you are unsure about the current restrictions, please call our COTA Wise Helpline on 1300 13 50 90 and we can help, or visit our website for the latest information on COVID-19, including vaccines.
Each of our programs has hit the ground running this year. Living Longer Living Stronger has partnered with instructors Lisa Westlake and Snezana Pezzin to produce the most amazing exercise videos for Victoria Together. If you haven’t done so already, I encourage you to join their Facebook live classes or catch up on exercise by watching the videos. Reach, Train and Employ students are champing at the bit to start their placements. The latest COVID cases have put this on hold temporarily but it hasn’t dampened their enthusiasm. OM:NI men’s discussion groups are cautiously restarting their face-to-face meetings.
This month’s COTA Connects has a finance focus, with tips for you to keep your assets safe, get help if you are finding it hard to manage your finances, and access energy saver bonuses and loan schemes. One of COTA Victoria’s most significant programs is our specialist Elder Abuse Community Legal Centre. If you or someone you know is experiencing elder abuse, call our free and confidential helpline on 1300 36 88 21.