Cuppa helps strikes a blow against abuse
Date Published : 25 June 2008
Delighted organisers of a coffee morning are celebrating after more than 200 people took part.
Walsall Council Adult Protection Unit staff joined West Midlands Police and Age Concern for the event at the charity’s restaurant in Lower Hall Lane.
The event was part of the 3rd Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
Walsall Mayor Councillor Tom Ansell said: “It was lovely to go down, meet people and see the work that is
carried out to help stop the abuse of older people. Many people think abuse is just something that may happen in a care home but it’s shocking to realise that the reality is that most of the time it happens behind closed doors in people’s own home.”
Most older people live quite happily in Walsall, Councillor Garry Perry, Walsall Council stressed.
He added: “There are so many older people who live perfectly happy lives and we would not wish to alarm anyone unduly. What this is about is sending out a reassuring message to those small minority of people who are victims.”
A five-strong adult protection team employed by Walsall Council play a key role in combating abuse.
Steve James, Walsall Council Adult Protection Co-ordinator, said: “We really do want people to know that there is help out there for them. Some people just want someone to talk to to share their concerns and we would like people to know that we are there for them.
“The coffee morning was a great way of raising awareness about the issue.”
Contact us
The Walsall Council Adult Protection Unit can be reached by calling 01922 650494.
The national Action on Elder Abuse helpline is 0808 808 8141.