Uniting’s My Aged Care Forum: Bridging Gaps and Empowering Communities

How Uniting’s face-to-face forums are making a difference for our Seniors and their supporters

Uniting, in partnership with Mt Colah Uniting Church, hosted a My Aged Care Forum on 17 February, bringing together congregation members and the wider community for a morning designed to empower attendees with practical, accessible information on navigating the aged care system. The forum aimed to demystify My Aged Care, outlining how to access services, what supports are available, and where to seek help, all in a supportive and familiar setting. By breaking down common barriers, the event gave people the tools and confidence needed to make informed choices about their aged care options.

Approximately 86 people attended, creating a welcoming space where Seniors, their families, friends, and carers could learn, ask questions, and connect with trusted support. The aged care system, with its array of services, from home care packages to independent living and residential care, can feel overwhelming and confusing. Online resources and brochures often use complex language, making it difficult for many to navigate eligibility criteria, available services, and recent changes. The forum sought to simplify this process, providing face-to-face guidance in an environment where questions could be asked openly and information was delivered in clear, everyday language. Attendees benefitted from hearing experienced presenters, sharing their own stories, and engaging in interactive discussions, which fostered a strong sense of community and mutual understanding.

Uniting’s Church and Community Collaboration team, together with local Seniors’ Directorate representatives, led the session, drawing on extensive experience in aged care policy and hands-on support. This ensured the information provided was accurate and tailored to the local community’s needs. With strong ties across congregations in NSW and the ACT, Uniting is well placed to bridge the gap between government information and practical, everyday understanding. Rather than just handing out leaflets or directing people online, the team offered real-life examples, answered specific questions, and provided ongoing support beyond the forum. Attendees were encouraged to reach out for further help if needed, and the sessions also allowed Uniting to gather valuable community feedback, helping to advocate for improvements in the aged care system.

The forum was more than an information session—it was about empowerment and holistic support. Meeting in a familiar church building, seniors and their supporters could build confidence and make informed decisions that reflected their values, needs, and beliefs. The spiritual dimension was also recognised, with the event acknowledging the important role faith and community play for many senior Australians. By addressing not just practical, but also emotional and spiritual wellbeing, the forum fostered a holistic approach to aged care. Attendees were reminded that they are not alone, and ongoing support is available. The atmosphere was one of inclusion, understanding, and respect - core to Uniting’s mission. Informal chats over morning tea provided further opportunities for connection, with many people finding comfort in sharing experiences and hearing from others in similar situations. The event demonstrated the power of local initiatives to create real change, offering not only information but also friendship and encouragement.

Feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Participants appreciated the friendly environment and clear, practical advice. Many commented on the presenters’ willingness to explain things thoroughly and answer all questions, no matter how small. Several said the session boosted their confidence in starting the My Aged Care process, while others valued connecting with people who understood their challenges. The strong turnout and sense of shared purpose reflected the community’s commitment to supporting older Australians with care, compassion, and respect.

Uniting plans to continue offering these forums in partnership with local congregations, recognising the ongoing need for accessible, person-centred support in navigating the complexities of aged care. As the population ages and the system evolves, such community-driven events will become increasingly vital in ensuring everyone has the knowledge and confidence to access the help they need, when they need it.

Looking to the future, there is hope that more congregations and community groups will host similar events, building on the success at Mt Colah. By working together, we can create a network of support that empowers senior Australians and their families, strengthens community bonds, and upholds the values of dignity, respect, and inclusion. The My Aged Care Forum at Mt Colah stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when people unite for a common cause: caring for and supporting one another, now and into the future.

If your congregation is interested in learning more about Uniting's My Aged Care Forums, please contact Corrina Coates, Uniting's Head of Church and Community Collaboration - ccoates@uniting.org.