AGE UK Solihull has teamed up with Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board Business Team for this year’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – WEAAD – on Tuesday, June 15.
The event encourages organisations in the care sector, local businesses and the wider public to pledge to help stamp out abuse of older people.
It is understood more than a million older people experience abuse or neglect in the UK every year, even being featured on national TV in a storyline on ‘Coronation Street’.
For WEAAD, Age UK Solihull, which is based at The Core in Solihull Library, aims to raise awareness and funds to continue their work with older people, and be a voice for those who are victims of abuse.
Anyone wishing to take part is asked to wear purple – as a symbol colour for dignity – or organise purple themed events and make a donation to Age UK Solihull.
The charity says the issue of abuse has been exacerbated with each lockdown, as many vulnerable people who would normally have a support network around them, protecting them from abuse, have not been shielded from scammers and the like.
Examples of abuse include:-
· Scams offering help and advice on Covid-19 or with financial assistance.
· Fraud – there are already reports of a 400 per cent increase in fraud reporting
· Bogus healthcare workers claiming to be offering ‘home testing’ for the virus
· Online sales of sanitation equipment that is never delivered
· Links to a fake daily newsletter for Covid-19 updates
· Fake insurance schemes and trading advice
· Fake government emails offering tax refunds.
To support Age UK Solihull’s campaign people can wear purple and make a donation via their Virgin Money Giving page at virginmoneygiving.com/fund/weaad21
If someone needs care and support or is experiencing abuse, call Adult Social Care on 0121 704 8007.
