Aged Care Crisis: http://www.agedcarecrisis.com
An independent advocay organisation focusing on abuse and neglect in Australian Aged Care Facilities. Contact online only.
Association of Independent Retirees (AIR): http://www.independentretirees.com
Phone: (02) 6290 2599
AIR is a national nonprofit volunteer organisation that works to advance and protect the interests and independent lifestyles of Australians in or approaching self-funded retirement.
Australian Retired Persons Association – ARPA Over 50s Association Ltd.: [website offline]
Phone: (03) 9650 6144 or 1800 555 150
ARPA is an organisation that lobblies government at all levels for greater resources and services for its client group, in addition to organising social and leisure activities and groups.
beyondblue – The National Depression Initiative: http://www.beyondblue.org.au
Phone: 1300 224 636
beyondblue’s main aim is to increase community awareness of depression. The website provides access to information about: the common symptoms of depression; the causes and treatments of depression; examples of treatment experiences; links to other information services and support groups; and stories of recovery.
British Pensions in Australia: http://youle.info/bpia-blog/
Phone: 1300 308 353
British Pensions in Australia is a non-profit advocacy association of volunteer expatriate British State pensioners who are challenging the UK government’s current pension legislation.
Carers NSW: http://www.carersnsw.asn.au/
Phone: (02) 9280 4744
Freecall: 1800 242 636
For carers wanting emergency respite call 1800 052 222
Carers NSW is the peak organisation for carers in NSW. It is an association for relatives and friends caring for people with a disability, mental illness, drug and alcohol dependencies, chronic conditions, terminal illness or who are frail.
If you are a carer and have a lot on your mind, consider ‘talking it over’ with a specialist counsellor that can relate to you. Carers NSW delivers the Australian Government’s National Carer Counselling Program (NCCP) in our state. Counselling will focus on issues that are specific to carer needs: managing stress, dealing with depression, coping skills, grief and loss, problem-solving, and how to deal with feelings. For more information click HERE or phone the Carers NSW Commonwealth Carer Resource Centre on 1800 242 636.
For information on concessions, services and support for ‘Working Carers’ visit http://www.workingcarers.org.au or call (02) 6622 8002.
Combined Pensioners and Superannuants Association of NSW (CPSA): http://www.cpsa.org.au
Phone: (02) 9281 3588 or regional freecall 1800 451 448
CPSA is a nonprofit, non-party-political membership association serving pensioners of all ages, superannuants, and low-income retirees. The organisation aims to improve the living standards, community services, and lifestyle choices of Members and constituents.
Community Visitors Scheme: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/ageing-rescare-cvs-cvscons.htm#visitor
Phone: The Aged and Community Care Information Line on 1800 500 853 or your local Commonwealth Respite and Carelink Centre on 1800 052 222
The Community Visitors Scheme enables you to volunteer your friendship and support to lonely/isolated residents of aged care homes. If you know of someone whose quality of life would be enriched by friendly visits, you may wish to contact the Scheme.
Family Law Reform Association of NSW: http://www.familylawreform.org.au
Phone: (02) 9542 2459
The Family Law Reform Association of NSW is a non-profit organisation providing legal advice and assistance on Family Law issues, including Grandparents rights.
Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission: http://www.humanrightsactionplan.org.au/nhrap/index.htm
Phone: Human Rights Law Centre – (03) 8636 4450
The National Human Rights Action Plan is an important piece in the jigsaw of establishing a better understanding of older people’s human rights and how they are being ignored. The site contains a collection of information and resources relating to seventeen focus areas, including: children’s rights; disability rights; equality and non-discrimination laws; older people’s rights; and women’s rights.
Law Society of NSW: http://www.lawsociety.com.au
Phone: (02) 9926 0333
The Law Society of NSW is a solicitor referral service. The website has “Fast Answers” on frequently asked questions about Wills and Estates, Family Relationships, and Contracts – click HERE for more information.
Lifeline Australia: http://www.lifeline.org.au/
Phone: 13 11 14
Lifeline provides access to crisis support, suicide prevention and mental health support services through Lifeline’s 24 hour crisis support service (above). Lifeline also provides national services and campaigns that promote emotional wellbeing, encourage help seeking, and address suicide prevention and awareness. The website contains information on all of this, as well as an Online Crisis Chat.
National Information Centre on Retirement Investments (NICRI): http://www.nicri.org.au
Phone: 1800 020 110
NICRI is a free, independent, confidential service which aims to improve the level and quality of investment information provided to people with modest savings who are investing for retirement or facing redundancy. The role of NICRI is to help provide up to date independent information to assist people to make the best possible investment decisions they can.
NSW Council on Social Service: http://ncoss.org.au/
Phone: (02) 9211 2599
NCOSS is the peak body of the social and community services sector, pursuing just and fair social outcomes for people in NSW.
Older Persons Legal Service (OPLS): http://www.tars.com.au/index.php/services/older-persons-legal-service
Phone: (02) 9281 3600
Regional callers: 1800 424 079
OPLS is a partnership between Legal Aid NSW and TARS, aimed at improving older persons’ access to legal services through advice, assistance, advocacy, representation, and education. Their services are available throughout the state, including rural, regional and remote NSW, and is specifically designed for those over 65 who are socially or economically disadvantaged. Phone or visit the above link for more information.
TAFE NSW: http://www.tafensw.edu.au
Phone: Information Centre on 13 16 01
TAFE NSW (The NSW Technical and Further Education Commission) is Australia’s leading vocational education and training provider. TAFE NSW operates four metropolitan and six regional institutes, with a total of over 130 campuses across the state – click HERE for more information.
Universities Admission Centre (UAC): http://www.uac.edu.au
Phone: (02) 9752 0200
UAC processes most of the admission applications for NSW and ACT tertiary institutions. Click HERE for more information.
University of Sydney Centre for Continuing Education: http://cce.usyd.edu.au/
Phone: (02) 9036 4789
The Centre for Continuing Education provides access to the expertise of the University of Sydney by offering over 700 short courses, meeting the learning, educational, and personal needs of the diverse Sydney community.
University of the Third Age (U3A) Online: http://www.u3aonline.org.au
U3A Online delivers online learning via the internet. They offer many other useful resources for older people, especially those who are geographically, physically or socially isolated. Click HERE for more information about their courses.
Univeristy of the Third Age Sydney: http://sydneyu3a.org/sydneyu3a.html
Phone: (02) 9252 2033
Sydney U3A organises life-long learning for retired and semi-retired people in friendly and stimulating environments. Over 300 courses in 40 topics are offered throughout Sydney, enabling members to broaden their horizons, be involved in new learning experiences, and to share their skills and knowledge – contact them for more information.
Welfare Rights Centre NSW: http://www.welfarerights.org.au
Welfare Rights Centre Sydney: Phone (02) 9211 5300
Regional freecall: 1800 226 028
The National Welfare Rights Network is a network of community legal centres throughout Australia that provide advice and representation on all Social Security (Centrelink) entitlements, benefits, and services, including assistance in appealing against Centrelink decisions you disagree with. Click HERE for a listing of all the Welfare Rights Centres in the country.
Wesley School for Seniors: http://www.wesleymission.org.au/centres/RetirementLiving/Community_Support/School_For_Seniors.asp
Phone: (02) 9263 5416 or (02) 9263 5348
The Wesley School for Seniors allows people over the age of 55 years to attend a unique school in the heart of Sydney CBD, offering a variety of leisure and learning activities to sustain the mind and body. Contact them or visit the above link for specific course information.
Workers Education Association (WEA): http://www.weasydney.com.au
Phone: (02) 9264 2781
WEA is a community-based adult education organisation that offers a wide range of programs – humanities, languages and arts, to computer, business and vocational training – through classes in their city campus, web-based training courses, and in WEA Discussion Groups that meet in homes througout NSW.