Hourglass

We at Hourglass look forward to HM The Queen’s upcoming documentary, which airs at the start of #SaferAgeingWeek on 11th November. As the only UK-wide charity dedicated to stopping the abuse and neglect of older people, we applaud Her Majesty’s longstanding campaigning. As she will say in the programme, domestic abuse should not be a taboo subject and talking about it is a vital way to raise awareness. Over 2.6 million people in the UK are affected by the abuse of older people and one in five over 60’s are abused every year. Join our campaign today by signing the OATH to promote a society where we can all grow old safely: https://lnkd.in/dfrZbupg https://lnkd.in/eBEtWyxS

We’re excited to announce that the fifth annual #SaferAgeingWeek will be taking place from 11th - 17th November 2024. We’ll be sharing more about our plans for this year’s campaign in due course, with some exciting announcements and releases planned. Take note, mark the dates in your calendars and keep your eyes peeled for further details. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to find out more about #SaferAgeingWeek2024: https://lnkd.in/de6i8UCb

The charity, Hourglass (Safer Ageing) – of which I have the honour of being a Trustee - has called on the Chancellor to reconsider the social care sector’s needs when it comes to NI. In a letter published in The Guardian today, we point out our concerns about the detrimental impact National Insurance (NI) increases will have on essential service provision. Hourglass is the only UK-wide charity dedicated to ending the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people. With already significant uncertainty surrounding future funding, additional costs from an NI rise risk hampering the charity’s ability to meet a growing demand for support. The Budget will hinder this essential work. The charity, led by CEO Richard Robinson and deputy, Veronica Gray, needs surety and the sector needs support. Many older men and women at risk of abuse or neglect deserve and need the support that Hourglass supplies. https://lnkd.in/eBMuCgZG

We’re deeply concerned that the Chancellor’s #Budget could force charities to scale back support for vulnerable communities. With already significant uncertainty surrounding future funding, additional costs from a National Insurance contribution rise risk hampers our ability to meet a growing demand for support at a time when our services are needed more than ever. Chair of Hourglass, Andrea Nicholas-Jones and CEO Richard Robinson penned this letter to The Guardian which was published this morning, calling for the Chancellor to think again. https://lnkd.in/eDhArczx

We’re thrilled to announce that our 24/7 helpline has been shortlisted for ‘Helpline of the Year’ by the Helplines Partnership at the Helpline Awards 2024! We’re incredibly proud of our helpline team who work tirelessly to support older victim-survivors in the UK and we’re delighted that they’re being recognised for their extraordinary efforts. Find out more about the shortlist and the #HelplineAwards2024 ➡️https://lnkd.in/eSKspQAr #helplinespartnership #helpline #helplineawards #awards #shortlist #nomination

An official statement from Hourglass Chair, Andrea Nicholas-Jones and CEO Richard Robinson on the possible increase in employer national insurance costs ahead of tomorrow’s budget. At Hourglass, our dedicated staff work tirelessly to protect older people from abuse and neglect. Whether via our 24/7 helpline or talking directly to decision makers about safer ageing, for thirty years, every penny we’ve raised has gone to supporting those at risk.   That’s why it is vital that at tomorrow’s Budget, the Chancellor does not raise National Insurance contributions for charities like Hourglass. Chair of Hourglass, Andrea Nicholas-Jones said: “Hourglass is working with more older-victim survivors of abuse than at any point in our 30 year history. We have proven the need and demand for our services which save and change lives. The charity needs surety and the sector needs support”. Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/ebrzUt6Z

We’re pleased to announce that Cranstoun have endorsed and signed the #OATH for a #SaferAgeingSociety by 2050. With an estimated 9.6 million more older people in the UK by 2050 and rising levels of abuse, it’s vital that we work together to create safer environments for older people, free from abuse. With our OATH campaign, we’re calling for better cooperation between the charity sector, the criminal justice system, health and social care institutions, financial sector and more to ensure that our ageing population is protected from abuse. Cranstoun’s endorsement of this important campaign highlights their commitment to protecting older victim-survivors of abuse and raising awareness of this hidden epidemic which affects millions each and every year. We’re calling on everyone to #TakeTheOATH and support a safer future, free from abuse: https://lnkd.in/dfrZbupg

The Care Quality Commission have released this year’s State of Care report and the findings are concerning. The care sector is vital in supporting a #SaferAgeingSociety and the report highlights numerous issues for both residents of care homes and care staff. We’re concerned about the lack of support for professional care staff, especially in regards to increased pressure from high staff turnover and high vacancy rates. Overburden and discontent from care workers is a risk factor for the abuse and neglect of older people and it’s vital that those working in the adult social care sector feel supported and protected. Reports about inadequate training are also troubling, with a lack of understanding of responding and supporting people living with dementia. People living with dementia must be treated with dignity, and offered specialist care by trained staff who can understand and address specific and complex care needs. With an ageing population, effective, safe and affordable social care is essential in ensuring older people can age safely. An estimated further 9.6 million older people by 2050 with many of them potentially being put at risk of abuse. Reform and attention to social care from a parliamentary, political and policy perspective is needed urgently. Read the full report: https://lnkd.in/e4uEPm69

Earlier today, Gisele Pelicot took the stand during a trial which has captured hearts and minds around the world.   Gisele spoke on the nature of abuse, stating “The profile of a rapist is not someone met in a car-park late at night. A rapist can also be in the family, among our friends.”   Data overwhelmingly suggests that sexual assaults are committed by those close to the victim, instead of strangers. This is true for all abuse types involving older victim-survivors, with most abuse cases involving a family member as a perpetrator.   When asked what keeps Gisele going, she said: “It’s true that I hear lots of women, and men, who say you’re very brave. I say it’s not bravery, it’s will and determination to change society.”   True change is driven by courageous and determined individuals such as Gisele, who use their traumatic experiences as driving forces. In this case, Gisele’s message is clear, anyone can be capable of abuse and shame must be shifted from victims to the perpetrators.   If the scenes outside the court are anything to go by, her message is being heard loud and clear. https://lnkd.in/dkkK38aE

The story of Gisèle Pelicot continues to inspire people across the world, her bravery shining a light on the reality of abuse. In our new blog, we speak about the recent updates to the court case and how important this story is as a cultural milestone in changing attitudes around abuse. Read below ⬇ #blog #giselepelicot #abuseawareness #metoo #caseupdate #newblog #saferageing #saferageingsociety