WIREDGOV

The growing problem of abuse affecting thousands of older people was put under fresh focus through a £2million award made yesterday to Action on Elder Abuse by the Big Lottery Fund.

The funding is directed at tackling and opening up awareness of what is believed to be a largely hidden problem affecting over half a million older people each year. The five year project will provide vital signposting for individuals and groups to services and support UK-wide.

Project co-ordinators across the nations will gather information and share best practice around elder abuse and dignity with the aim to ensure consistent legislation across the UK.

Action on Elder Abuse has been working closely with the Silver Line* since it was formed just over a year ago to use detailed research, from an independent evaluation of the existing helpline,  to identify the key elements that cause elder abuse.

As a result the two charities will work in partnership to develop the existing helpline and improve its buddy service. Action on Elder Abuse will also be working in partnership with for Solicitors for the Elderly to provide specialist advice and support for victims to ensure their cases are properly dealt with.

Action on Elder Abuse was founded in 1993 and is the only UK-wide charity which focuses solely on promoting dignity and the prevention of elder abuse.

Gary Fitzgerald, Action on Elder Abuse Chief Executive said yesterday: “Over 500,000 older people experience abuse in our communities each year. Because of the National Lottery we will now be able to make a real difference to thousands of them who would otherwise suffer in silence and despair. Our helpline takes three times as many calls today as it did in 2011 and Lottery funding will enable us to deal with that demand into the future, help us provide support for victims to recover, and enable us to work to improve the protection systems available across the UK.

“This is really exciting for us. We’ve waited so long to be able to make a difference, instead of tinkering around the edges. Elder abuse has been tolerated for too long.  Now is the time for change.”

Peter Ainsworth, Big Lottery Fund UK Chair said yesterday: “Action on Elder Abuse has become the acknowledged expert for elder abuse over the past 21 years through its strong network of contacts with key stakeholders. As a partner with The Silver Line it will be able to offer vital support directly to many victims of abuse and their families who would perhaps remained silent without the support of a helpline.

“Today’s funding is part of our commitment towards supporting older people now and in the future through our investments including Rethink Good Health, Ageing Better and Silver Dreams Fund.”

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Notes to editors

* The Silver Line was awarded £5 million in September 2013 by the Big Lottery Fund

• There are 14.7 million people in the UK aged 60 and above (ONS 2014, Mid-2013 Population Estimates UK)
• There are over 22.7 million people aged 50 years and over, more than one third of the total UK population (ONS 2014, Mid-2013 Population Estimates UK)
• Three million people are over 80 (ONS 2014 Mid 2013 Population Estimates UK)
• By 2086, about one in three people in the UK will be over 60 (ONS 2013, National population projects 2012)
• The Big Lottery Fund is responsible for giving out 40% of the money raised by the National Lottery.
• The Fund is committed to bringing real improvements to communities and the lives of people most in need and has been rolling out grants to health, education, environment and charitable causes across the UK. Since its inception in 2004 it has awarded close to £6bn.
• In the year ending 31 March 2013, 28% of total National Lottery revenue was awarded to projects. Since the National Lottery began in 1994, £32 billion has been raised and more than 450,000 grants awarded.