About 10 percent of older adults suffer from abuse. This percentage is believed to be much higher, however, especially in Indigenous communities. People from these communities who would like to see a change are immediately needed to bring this problem to light and to help mitigate it.

Sheatre is highlighting elder abuse in its upcoming health promotion podcast titled “Mishoo miinwaa Noki ~ You, Me and Wrinkles” (aka “Wrinkles”). They are looking for 3 senior Indigenous volunteers (age 55+) to join its communications team.

“Wrinkles” is a five-part radio style drama that shares knowledge about elder abuse in Indigenous communities. Its goal is to engage audiences in learning practical interventions and to teach them how to access helpful resources. 

Members of the communications team will be producing and promoting the podcast, while also talking to people across the province about elder abuse prevention. “Wrinkles” will run from July 2021 to March 2022. The latest starting date for the project is July 26. Interested individuals should contact Anya Elias, the project’s Communications Coordinator, by July 15 to learn more.

“By educating audiences and empowering people to make changes in their lives and their communities, Sheatre’s latest project, “Wrinkles”, will touch people. By the end, both individuals and entire communities will be able to notice senior abuse, and to react,” says Elias, “before it’s too late”.

Volunteers must have access to a computer and to be able to use Zoom. To be successful, candidates must also have a passion for advancing human rights and a commitment to Sheatre and the project’s goals.

As a community-engaged professional arts organization, Sheatre has vast experience in creating and presenting interactive, issue-oriented theatre. Its creative and rigorous approach has enabled them to create meaningful and measurable change for over 35 years. The project is supported by Elder Abuse Prevention Ontario and Seniors Centres Without Walls and funded by New Horizons for Seniors and the Community Foundation Grey Bruce.

If you – or anyone you know – is interested in joining the “Wrinkles” team, please reach out to Anya at [email protected]. Sheatre is excited to have you and to raise awareness on this issue together.

source: media release, Sheatre