Around one million people over the age of 65 are victims of abuse each year in the UK. The Hourglass mission is to end the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in the UK.

There are nearly 12 million over 65s in the UK today. An estimated 10,000 people turn 65 every single day. Each one should enjoy a society that enables them to age safely. But that’s not always the case. Many will need support to ensure their risk of harm, abuse and neglect is minimised; others will need more specialist Independent Domestic Abuse Advisors (IDVAs) to intervene in the most serious cases of abuse. 

Hourglass is the first charity in the UK to offer support to older victims of domestic abuse from trained IDVAs who specialise in working with those over 65. As the UK’s only charity focused on the abuse and neglect of older people, Hourglass staff a free-to-call helpline (0808 808 8141), as well as undertaking casework through their Community Response Programme and supporting clients on a one-to-one basis. Their website, wearehourglass.org, also offers an instant messaging (IM) service, and a Chat-box which provides information around different types of elder abuse.

IDVAs have the skills, knowledge and expertise to provide emotional and practical advice, guidance and support to help an individual to become and remain safe in their home and community. They advocate. They guide. They plan. They work on each case in a person-centred way, focusing on the individual and their needs.

New research from the charity has identified that “… the abuse and neglect of older people is sadly falling last in line, barely visible as an issue in terms of profile, debate and action in government and the public” given even less attention than grouse shooting or parking issues in 2021. Hourglass hopes to change all that.

• If you need help or support, call 0808 808 8141 where you can be put in touch with a Hastings IDVA.

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https://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WeAreHourglassSQ.jpghttps://www.hastingsindependentpress.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/WeAreHourglassSQ-150x150.jpgHIPCommunityAround one million people over the age of 65 are victims of abuse each year in the UK. The Hourglass mission is to end the harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in the UK. There are nearly 12 million over 65s in the UK today. An estimated 10,000 people...The Hastings & St Leonards non-profit community newspaper