Shadow Social Justice Minister Mark Isherwood MS has highlighted in the Senedd this afternoon the 24/7 Hourglass Cymru helpline launched today for older victims of abuse and called on the Welsh Government to provide specialist funding for it.
The charity has launched the UK’s first 24/7 helpline as part of a major push to bring the “hidden epidemic” of abuse experienced by older people out into the open and get victims the support they need.
The Home Office have supported the service in England, and the charity is keen for the Welsh Government to do the same in Wales.
Calling on the Social Justice Minister to provide support, Mr Isherwood said:
“Hourglass Cymru, the only charity in Wales solely focused on ending the harm and abuse of older people, has seen a 47% increase in calls answered during the Pandemic, with over 25% coming outside their normal business hours. A 2020 poll by Hourglass showed there were over 143,000 older victims of abuse in Wales and their freephone national helpline provides support and advice to these victims and anyone with concerns about abuse and neglect of older people.
“Today Hourglass Cymru have launched a 24/7 service supporting older people and their families, the first service of its kind in Wales with a specialism around elder abuse. The UK Home Office have supported this service in England – and in Wales, Hourglass is using its own meagre reserves to fund the service.
“What consideration have you therefore given to ensuring the same level of specialist support for older people at risk and will you meet with Hourglass Cymru to discuss this vital service and consider providing specialist funding?”
In her reply, the Minister said she would be happy to meet with Hourglass Cymru and that she has already met with the Older People's Commissioner for Wales on the issue.
Mr Isherwood added:
“Although Welsh Government funds already support generic Domestic Abuse services across the nation, elder abuse remains an under-supported and under-reported area.”