Fight against adult abuse

Tricia Hornby, Chief Executive of Rochdale Mind, with Tim O'Brien

Shoppers in Rochdale picked up safeguarding tips as activities to mark Elder Abuse Awareness Day took place this week.

Staff from organisations including the Council, the Heywood, Middleton and Rochdale Clinical Comissioning Group (CCG) and Rochdale Mind, took to the streets to spread the message that abuse of older people won’t be tolerated in the borough.

Visitors to the Exchange Shopping Centre were asked to pull tickets out of a bucket containing key questions designed to spark a discussion. These included ‘why do you think older people are more vulnerable to abuse?’ and ‘what would you do if you suspected an older person was being abused?’

They also took away leaflets containing critical information on how to spot and report suspected abuse.

Tim O’Brien, from Bamford, was one of the shoppers who got involved. He said: “I think older people might be more susceptible to abuse because they are more vulnerable. It’s incumbent on all of us to look out for older people in our communities. If you notice a change in an elderly neighbour’s routine or suspect there’s a rogue trader operating in the area, it’s always worth checking in on them.”

Paula Bebb, from Whitworth, said: “It’s fantastic that there’s an awareness of child abuse and the need to report it, but we all need to remember that adults can be at risk as well."

Azra Islam, from Bury Road, added: “Older people need our help and support and we all have a role to play in this. I didn’t know there was dedicated number you could phone to report any issues, but I’ll definitely be aware of it in the future.”

Possible signs of abuse include changes in behaviour or appearance, a carer who is unwilling to let other people have contact with the person, shortage of money for no apparent reason and unexplained bruises or marks.

Councillor Iftikhar Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Adult Care at Rochdale Borough Council, said: “We want to send the message out loud and clear that any abuse of older people, be it financial, emotional or otherwise, will not be tolerated in Rochdale borough. The biggest weapon against this kind of behaviour is us, ordinary members of the public. Simply by being there for older people and reporting anything untoward, we can go a long way to stamping out adult abuse for good.”

Anyone who is concerned that an adult may be subject to abuse should call the Rochdale Council Adult Care team on 0844 264 0867.