BRIAN YOUNG AWARD

COMMUNITY RELATIONS DIRECTOR RECEIVES 2023 ‘BRIAN YOUNG AWARD’

LONDON, ON (June 19, 2023) – This year’s Brian Young Award was presented late last week to Molly Mathers, Community Relations Director at AMICA London, for her work to end abuse and neglect of older adults.

Established in honour of retired London Police Service Inspector Brian Young, who passed away earlier this year at 71 years of age, the award was bestowed during a special ceremony by the Elder Abuse London-Middlesex Committee.

The Brian Young award is given annually to an individual or group who:

1. Supports a collaborative community-based approach
2. Engages in proactive strategies
3. Works toward creating an atmosphere which removes barriers faced by older adults
4. Increases awareness regarding abuse

“Inspector Young was a tireless advocate for seniors, and he worked diligently with community partners to establish and lead initiatives that address abuse and neglect of older adults,” said Det. Inspector Alex Krygsman, head of the LPS Investigative Services Branch. “We continue to honour Inspector Young’s legacy with this award program, recognizing individuals who help protect vulnerable senior members of our community.”

Prior working with AMICA London for the past six years, Molly supported various other communities in London, ranging from independent living to private memory care.

Molly became involved in the Elder Abuse London Middlesex Network in 2014.  She has been part of the executive committee, taking leadership in organizing education events, World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, supporting project proposals to both the Federal and Provincial governments, and working collaboratively with the various members of the network, she looks at the larger community “macro” picture of the needs of older adults and how to remove barriers between agencies and resources.  She has been a supporter of agencies working more closely together in responding to the needs of older adults and the prevention of the various forms of elder abuse. 

“Molly is a vibrant, compassionate, and kind person, with a seemingly effortless ability to connect and positively influence others,” said Patrick Fleming, former Director of the Elder Abuse London-Middlesex Network.  “Her enthusiasm is apparent, both through the energy and warmth she conveys, as well as her ongoing involvement with other important community organizations.  Molly has a strong reputation in the senior care industry for her exceptional performance in Community Relations, but more importantly, for her ongoing, demonstrated effort to go above and beyond to provide a sense of connection and support to vulnerable seniors.” 

Insp. (Ret.) Young founded a community-based and senior-driven inter-linking community response network to assist abused and neglected older adults in London and Middlesex County. He led the establishment of the Seniors Helpline at the London Distress Centre and set the foundation for the coordinated response to abuse of older adults, which has now become the Elder Abuse London-Middlesex Committee.

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Cst. Sandasha Bough
Media Relations Officer
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