WA abuse of older people research - Regional focus groups VARIOUS DATES

WA Department of Communities has engaged the UWA Social Care and Ageing Living Lab to conduct research into the abuse of older people in Western Australia. This is a one-year project that we expect will conclude in July 2021. The research team includes UWA in collaboration with the University of South Australia and Northern Suburbs Community Legal Centre.

Key research objectives include mapping agency responses, service provision and referral pathways in Western Australia. This entails documenting current practice in the sector, while also working with research participants to co-design best practice recommendations to better respond to older people experiencing or at risk of abuse.

There are a total of NINE focus groups scheduled in March and April 2021. Participants will include staff of government agencies, service providers, community organisations and resource centres, and other relevant entities.

These focus groups will be held ONLINE and are focused on understanding the unique experiences and service needs of older people living in REGIONAL, RURAL AND REMOTE Western Australia.

Each of the focus groups is targeted for professionals with knowledge of each of the nine Western Australian regions.

However - if you are unavailable to attend the date allocated to your region, PLEASE DO register for and attend one of the other sessions instead. Your knowledge and insights are valuable and we want to ensure your contributions to the research are captured.

Focus group dates:

Mon 22 March 12:30-14:30 (South West)

Tues 23 March 09:30 – 11:30 (Goldfields-Esperance)

Wed 24 March 12:30-14:30 (Pilbara)

Thurs 25 March 09:30-11:30 (Gascoyne)

Wed 31 March 13:30-15:30 (Wheatbelt)

Thurs 1 April 10:00-12:00 (Kimberley)

Thurs 8 April 10:00-12:00 (Mid West)

Thurs 8 April 13:30-15:30 (Great Southern)

Fri 9 April 13:00-15:00 (Peel)

When registering to participate in this research please select ONE of the focus groups, each is available as a separate ticketing option.

Please note that these tickets are not transferable. It is important that you attend the focus group for which you are registered.

Registered participants will be emailed further information about the research including a Participant Information Sheet and a Participant Consent Sheet. This email will also include details of how to access the online focus group.

If circumstances change and you can no longer attend or do not want to participate, please ensure you cancel your ticket so that your space can be selected by someone else.

If you would like to contribute to this research project but cannot attend these focus groups, or if you have any questions about this research, please contact Project Manager Dr Cat Stevens catriona.stevens@uwa.edu.au