In April, the Commissioner established an action group of organisations who are working together to ensure that older people can get the support they need to keep them safe and protected from abuse and crime.
Group membership comprises the following:
You can read the Terms of Reference for the action group here.
The group has been working together to raise awareness of the things that older people can do to keep themselves safe and protected, and the role we can all play in protecting older people. Alongside this, the group has been promoting the services and support available that can help older people, as well as encouraging people to report any concerns they may have about an older person’s safety or well-being.
To support this, the group has issued several proactive statements, relating to identifying potential abuse and reporting concerns, crime and scams that have emerged during the pandemic, and staying safe online. The group also produced an information pack that provides a range of useful information and resources about how older people can stay safe, and has used social media to disseminate key information, messages and resources.
The resources produced by the action group are available here.
Steering Group
Members of the action group have also formed a steering group, to ensure there is a strategic approach to tackle issues that have arisen as a result of the pandemic and a number of long-standing issues relating to safeguarding and protection.
You can read the Steering Group’s Strategy here (August 2020)
You can read the Group's Principles for engagement with older people at risk of or experiencing abuse here