Seniors Rights Victoria Bendigo Health Outreach
Seniors Rights Victoria (Bendigo office) provides outreach to Bendigo Health which provides free legal assistance to patients on a range of matters, including:
- Wills & Powers of Attorney
- Guardianship & Administration
- Elder Abuse
- Consumer & Banking Issues
- Social Security
- Discrimination
- Accommodation issues
Eligibility
The Program is focused on assisting disadvantaged and marginalized patients who are unable to access a private solicitor.
Referral Process
A Bendigo Health Social Worker can talk with you about your legal issues, fill out a form for you and then contact the Bendigo office of Seniors Rights Victoria on your behalf.
Seniors Rights Victoria will then organize a private volunteer solicitor to visit you at hospital as soon as practicable. The solicitor will undertake urgent legal work (eg doing a Will or Power of Attorney) and provide advice on any additional matters. You are formally a client of the volunteer solicitor who is providing their services on a pro bono (not for fee) basis.
If you have ongoing legal work the volunteer solicitor may refer you back to SRV, provide you with a list of three private solicitors who would be able to give you further assistance for a fee, or alert your existing solicitor that you need immediate assistance.
Principles of Service Delivery
The program aims to provide services that are face to face, based in the local community, adopt a multi-disciplinary approach, are in the best interests of the older person and take a least restrictive approach.
Further Assistance
If you require further assistance please contact SRV (Bendigo office) on 5444 4364.
