Concerted effort to combat loneliness

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Concerted effort to combat loneliness

Thursday, November 22, 2012

MUSIC will be used to help raise awareness of loneliness at this year’s Tairawhiti Age Concern variety concert.

The concert will be held at the Outdoor Theatre at Awapuni this Saturday and will feature some of Gisborne’s abundant talent, says Age Concern chief executive Frances Toroa.

“There are so many good performers around here and music is the vehicle that brings people together.

“We want to raise awareness about loneliness — it’s everywhere in our society, not just a problem for the elderly.

“Loneliness permeates all levels of society, and can lead to health issues such as drug and alcohol abuse, and depression.”

Operating in Gisborne for 19 years, Tairawhiti Age Concern is a non-profit, registered charitable trust.

Staff and volunteers co-ordinate and support essential services for older people, including elder abuse and neglect prevention, accredited visiting, health and social services.

“We also do practical things like one-on-one computer and mobile phone training, and budgeting advice,” says Tairawhiti Age Concern’s accredited visiting services co-ordinator Omar Brown.

“We’re an integral part of the community.”

Performers will share positive affirmations and proactive messages about preventing and coping with loneliness at the fourth annual concert, which will be held at a different venue this year, says Mrs Toroa.

“We had to move from the War Memorial Theatre — it was getting overcrowded and we had to bring in extra seats. Plus it’s summer and great to be outdoors.”

“Bring a picnic, an umbrella — it’s a real whanau event. There are hip hop and Michael Jackson dance competitions, and even one for ‘gangnam-style’ dancing. It will be really cool.”

Spot and competition prizes include MP3 players and rugby balls signed by the victorious Ngati Porou East Coast rugby team.

Master of ceremonies Te Hamua Nikora will present music from artists including Hemi Porou and band, Levi the Rapper, I Roam, JJ Rika, the Pacific Island Group, and Daniel Walker and partner. There will be dance displays from Hot Hula and Taha Fitness Bodyjam, and a fashion parade from students at Toihoukura.

Turanga Tangata rite maori kapa haka group will also perform.

Mrs Toroa said some of the audience would probably not be keen on rap but she fully supported the genre.

“The true origin of rap is expression from the street, from the downtrodden minority. It’s about freedom of expression.

“We want our elder people to bring their mokopuna to enjoy the day — there’s something for everybody.

“It’s inter-generational — our elderly can see what the young people are doing, and the young people can find out what was happening back in papa and nana’s day. I think they’ll be surprised.”

Tairawhiti Age Concern’s variety concert runs from 4pm to 8pm on Saturday at the outdoor theatre at Awapuni, and is a smoke and alcohol-free event.

Entry is by gold coin donation.

JUMPING ON LONELINESS: Warming up for Saturday’s variety concert are, front (from left), Tairawhiti Age Concern accredited visiting services co-ordinator Omar Brown, client Sonny Mahia and accredited visitor Meng Huey. Top are Taha Fitness performers Steve Norris, Trudz Houkamau and Tania Rauna. Picture by Paul Rickard

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