Initiative helps elderly abuse victims (From Your Local Guardian)

Initiative helps elderly abuse victims

4:00pm Saturday 16th June 2012 in Streatham

An initiative which invites older people in the borough to support other elderly people who have been victims of abuse is seeking volunteers.

People attended an event at St Thomas’s Hospital on June 15 to find out more about the scheme, which is being supported by the Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Partnership Board and national charity Action on Elder Abuse.

It works by matching older people living in the borough with others who have experienced mistreatment to help them.

The search for volunteers coincides with a host of activities in Lambeth to mark World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.

Councillor Jane Pickard, deputy cabinet Member for older people, said: "We are delighted to be working with Action on Elder Abuse to set up our new buddying scheme, which aims to befriend older people who have been affected by mistreatment and abuse with people who can support them back on their feet.

"The pilot schemes were very successful and we hope to replicate that in Lambeth."

Gloria Eveleigh, Action on Elder Abuse project coordinator, said: "Older people in the borough who have experienced abuse deserve the opportunity to recover from its effects, and who better to help them than other older people living in their own community. "We know that the buddying process works. We also know that the volunteers experience a huge sense of satisfaction and achievement when they see the person they have been working with regain their confidence, independence, and ability to protect themselves in the future."

If you suspect someone is being abused, it can be reported confidentially on 020 7926 5555 or the Police on 101.

For more information about safeguarding adults visit lambeth.gov.uk/safeguardingadults