Bi-lingual volunteers wanted
Lorena Pineda
COTA Bi-lingual Voluntee
COTA has been working in partnership with
beyondblue: the national depression initiative for six years to overcome significant levels of stigma and poor awareness of mental health issues among older people.The
beyond maturityblues program has helped raise awareness of anxiety and depression amongst seniors in the community and helps to promote good mental health and well-being.Following on from the success of this project, COTA and
beyondblue are now targeting people from non-English speaking backgrounds as they may be at risk of developing mental health problems as they age. For the last three years COTA has been working with many different communities, but in particular with the IGreek, Vietnamese and Chinese communities.Irene Makris, one of COTA’s Greek speaking volunteers, has been overwhelmed by the way her community has opened up at these talks.
"I realise now how important it is to provide these sessions in the communities own language. We give people the opportunity to talk in a supportive environment and provide useful information that they can take home and share with their family. I have never done anything like this before, but I love being able to help others," she said.
Bi-lingual volunteers wanted
Do you speak a language other than English? Are you interested in positive ageing and want to participate in programs that support older people to stay active and healthy? COTA is looking for bi-lingual speakers to help present health information to their community.
They are looking for mature people to become volunteer ‘peer educators’ for a 12 month period starting June 2012. COTA Peer Educators talk with groups in the community about health issues, in particular about anxiety and depression in older people and how to maintain good mental health. Volunteers are trained in what to say and supported to provide this valuable community service.
Giovanna and Irene reviewing the Beyondblue resources
For further information please phone Paloma Wraith at COTA on 8232 0422 Monday to Thursday or email pwr...@cotasa.org.au