“Ye Canna Throw Yer Granny Off A Bus!” is am original play that brings the message that elder abuse needs to stop – and shows us that we all can play a part. “Granny” kicks off its tour of Grey and Bruce with two performances: in Meaford on Tuesday, November 19 at 2pm for the 55+ Friendship Club, at the Meaford & St. Vincent Community Centre, 151 Collingwood St W. The second show is in Tobermory on Thursday, December 5 at 1:30pm at The Meeting Place, 20 Centennial Drive.

Presented by seniors from the community, “Granny” starts a necessary conversation about elder abuse and prevention. The performers enact scenes of emotional, physical, spiritual, mental abuse, and neglect. Drawn from real life, these serious stories are lightened by endearing characters and lively music. A Q&A session follows, facilitated by sector experts in elder abuse prevention.

The storyline: when Fred considers a move to a seniors’ complex, he bumps into an old friend, Doris. As they reminisce about people they used to know, the stories unfold – each one an example of a different kind of abuse. Solutions and community resources are revealed. As their relationship grows, Fred finds his voice… and confides a dark secret of his own.

“Granny” is produced by Sheatre, an award-winning community arts company based in Kemble. It was originally written by Audrey Otter, Ted Codack, Joan Chandler and david sereda. Original lyrics are by Cora Taylor. The performers are Pauli Schell, Joan MacDonnell, Paul Flood and Carroll Flood. Sheatre has reached over 142,775 people in Canada, the US and England through the creation and production of 114 original plays. Over a third of Sheatre’s work is with seniors.

Elder abuse is not as uncommon as we might like to think. Canadian studies suggest that 8-10% of older adults experience abuse (approximately 750,000 seniors in Canada), but this is not at all clear. It’s estimated that only 20% of incidents of elder abuse ever come to the attention of a person who can help. When abuse occurs, it is likely to be repeated. A recent survey by public health in Grey-Bruce found that 1 in 6 seniors experience abuse.

For those who want to learn more about elder abuse, a follow-up workshop is available, led by the Seniors Safety Network Grey Bruce. It's Not Right! Neighbours, Friends and Families for Older Adults workshop offers practical safe steps and presents more information on available resources. The goals are to teach people how to stay safe, reach out for support, and help people become more aware of the risks and warning signs of abuse. Together, the play and the workshop make up the project The Ultimate SASS - Seniors Advocating for Seniors’ Safety.

“Ye Canna Throw Yer Granny Off A Bus!” is generously supported by the Community Foundation of Grey Bruce, Ron Todd of Todd & Associates Wealth Management, BDO, OPSEU Local 260 and the Harmony Centre.

source: media release