The Lions Club of Maleny Blackall Range continues to support the “Speak Up Now” initiative. Val France and Sherryl Gregory were the guest speakers at the July dinner meeting held at the Maleny Hotel. Both representatives of “Speak Up Now” addressed the various aspects of Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse and provided us with copies of the resources they have produced to help educate the Maleny and Surrounds community. These resources explain in simple terms how to identify these issues and contact details for the many organisations who can help people in need. As part of the “Speak Up Now” initiative, Val and Sherryl are collecting old mobile phones. These phones are cleared by IT experts and then distributed as Safe Phones to people who are victims of abuse so they have a safe phone, that is not tracked by the abuser, to contact family and friends. This Safe Phone enables communication which is critical for ongoing safety and support. The Lions Club of Maleny Blackall Range has provided financial support to the Speak Up Now group, as well as assisting with catering at educational seminars and will continue to assist this fantastic initiative to help deal with the growing Domestic Violence and Elder Abuse affecting our community.