Skip to main content

We are offering services through video link, by phone, or where appropriate, face to face. Call us on 1800 639 523 to discuss your options or to book a session.

Better Pride
Better Pride

Southern Melbourne

Elder Abuse Prevention Network

Hosted by Better Place Australia

Framing Age Online Training

We all want to live in a society that respects, values and celebrates everyone regardless of age. We can begin by thinking and talking differently about people as we grow older.

This self paced training shows us how to talk about age and ageing in ways that reduce ageist attitudes and behaviours.

It is based on national message research and the tips and principles in the Frame Age Message Guide.

The facilitator, Mark Chenery of Common Cause Australia, guides us through five self-paced modules:

  1. Using values and frames to reduce ageism
  2. The vision barrier-action message framework
  3. Writing your message outline
  4. The top tips for messaging to reduce ageism
  5. Writing and reviewing a short message of your choice

It takes between 1-3 hours to complete the training, and is self-paced.

Modules

Compulsory Modules (60 Minutes)

Complete these modules to gain a fundamental understanding of Framing Age in various contexts. 

Fundamentals (Duration 52 minutes) In this module, Mark (our trainer), takes us through the key frameworks underpinning the Common Cause approach to community engagement. You’ll learn about the importance of framing and how to use values in your communication to shift attitudes and behaviours in predictable ways.



Duration: 24 minutes In this module, Mark takes us through his top tips for messaging around age, ageism and older people. He also responds to questions from Masterclass participants. In addition to watching the video below, we recommend reading the Framing Age Message Guide, which includes these and other tips in more detail.

Additional Modules (120 Minutes)

Complete these modules to bolster your knowledge, and ensure that you are best equipped to address ageism.

Duration: 9 minutes

In this module, we learn about the Vision-Barrier-Action mesage framework. This is an evidence-based framework for boosting support from persuadable audiences and is used throughout the remainder of this training.

Now that you have learnt about the Vision-Barrier-Action message framework, it’s time to try it out for yourself.

Download the Message Framework Template and have a go at crafting a message outline of your own.

OPTIONAL: Once you’ve written your outline, we recommend watching the recording below in which Mark provides feedback to Masterclass participants on their message outlines.

Message Framework Feedback (Duration: 30-60 minutes)

Now it’s time to turn your message outline into a written message. For the purpose of this training, we recommend you keep the message short (roughly 100-200 words) and maintain the Vision-Barrier-Action structure.

To assist you in writing your message, we have included an example of some messaging that was developed in one of our Masterclasses: 

We all want a good life. We want to be respected and valued for the unique individuals we are. We want to live in a safe and comfortable environment, and in communities where we look out for one another.

We all want this for ourselves and the people we love.

The reality is that some older people are not respected and are taken advantage of by someone. In most cases this is a family member or someone else in a position of trust. This mistreatment can be; taking advantage of someone’s finances, controlling who they can see or where they go.

No one should be treated this way.

You might be wondering if it’s really happening to someone you know and care about. Are you seeing it clearly? It’s often not black and white, and we understand that it can be complicated when family members and carers are involved.

If you’re concerned this is happening to someone you know, or you’re not sure if they are being mistreated, call the helpline. It’s easy and confidential. You’ll be speaking with a qualified person experienced in this area. This one small step can make a world of difference to their life.

After you’ve written a first draft, look at each of the top tips in the Framing Age Message Guide and review your message to identify opportunities for improvement.

OPTIONAL: Once you’ve completed your message and reviewed it yourself using the top tips, we recommend watching the below video where Mark provides detailed feedback on the messages drafted by Masterclass participants.

Message Review (Duration: 35 mins)

Back to SMEAPN Home
Scroll to Top