People in South Tyneside urged to help combat abuse against older people

People in South Tyneside are being encouraged to back a campaign aimed at stopping abuse against older people.
Cllr Anne HetheringtonCllr Anne Hetherington
Cllr Anne Hetherington

World Elder Abuse Awareness Day – on June 15 – seeks to remind people that keeping older people safe is everyone’s responsibility and that people have a duty to look out for signs of abuse and report it.

Council bosses in South Tyneside say this kind of abuse can take various forms - physical, psychological, emotional, sexual and financial – and can also be the result of intentional or unintentional neglect.

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It can also occur in a range of different places including a person's own home and other places the community.

Cllr Anne Hetherington, lead member for independence and wellbeing, said: “The Coronavirus pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone but older people have been among those hardest hit.

“Over and above the health impact, the pandemic has put older people at greater risk of poverty, discrimination and isolation.

She added: “Perhaps, more than ever, it is vital that people continue to look out for their elderly relatives, neighbours and friends. By marking this day, we hope to raise awareness of this issue and send a clear message that this type of abuse will not be tolerated in South Tyneside.”

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Anyone worried or concerned about an older person in South Tyneside should call (0191) 424 6000 during normal office hours of Mon - Fri 8.30am - 5pm or (0191) 456 2093 outside of office hours.

To find out more, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/worriedaboutanadult