RSS news feed | Communicatormentalhealth.org | UK

Charity responds to collaboration announcement:

Cautious welcome for joint research into elder abuse

Action on Elder Abuse, [AEA] the national charity that focuses on the abuse of older people, has welcomed the recent announcement that Comic Relief and the Department of Health are to collaborate in further research into the nature of elder abuse, but has expressed the hope that this research will lead to tangible outcomes for older people.

“The announcement that further research will be conducted into the abuse, neglect and lack of dignity of older people within institutions is obviously to be warmly welcomed,” said Gary FitzGerald, chief executive of AEA.

“We obviously need to understand the factors that influence poor practices or abusive behaviours, and we are obviously pleased that the new research will include people who lack capacity and will focus upon institutional settings.”

The charity is awaiting details of the proposed research and is consequently tempering its enthusiasm for this major investment with a cautious desire to ensure that the research achieves meaningful outcomes for older people facing abuse. 

“We are conscious that the Prevalence Study results launched last June 2007 have yet to deliver changes in practice or further work to understand the key messages that arose,” continued Mr FitzGerald, “so we will be scrutinising this proposal to satisfy ourselves that the funding is being put to the best possible use; after all £2 million is a lot of money and research is only of use if it leads to change.

“Nevertheless, the charity is delighted that such a massive investment is being made into understanding the nature of elder abuse. It puts the UK at the forefront of research, and it gives the potential opportunity for politicians, care providers, regulators and the public to examine how older people are treated and what they can do to challenge abuse. We are looking forward to being able to support Comic Relief and the Department of Health in this new endeavour.”

For further information visit the AEA website at: www.elderabuse.org.uk.

Infolink: Call the AEA national freephone helpline on: 080 8808 8141 from the UK or 1800 940 010 from the Republic of Ireland for confidential support and information, Monday to Friday between 9am and 5pm.

Events

• World Elder Abuse Awareness Day 15 June 2008. For more information email: worldelderabuseday@elderabuse.org.uk or telephone: 0208 765 7000,

• a number of places in support of AEA are available for the British 10K Run 2008 on 6 July 2008 in central London with over 25,000 runners taking part. Telephone: 0208 765 7000 for more details,

• Action on Elder Abuse has launched a series of exciting challenge events, including skydiving, trekking and running. If you have ever wanted to trek the Inca Trail, freefall from 10,000 feet or sledge across Lapland with huskies visit the www.elderabuse.org.uk website for more information,

• AEA is participating, for the first time, in the 2008 Flora London Marathon, 13 April 2008. Richard Dickinson is running for Action on Elder Abuse. This is Richard's first full marathon although he is a keen runner and member of Fulham Running Club. He wants to raise vital funds for the charity, especially the freephone helpline that receives over 8,000 calls per year. To donate online visit website: www.justgiving.com/richarddickinsonlondon08. 

From your browser | Email the page | Email the page link | Print the page | Add page to favourites

········································································································································

BACK TO UK NEWS ARCHIVE MENU

Handy guide to wellbeing series | For you, family and friends

Communicatormentalhealth.org online and magazine | One-worldmentalhealth.org | EUhealthnews.eu [starts soon] | UKhealthblog | One-worldhealthblog | EUhealthblog