Windfall to help elderly project

Dunfermline-based charity Action on Elder Abuse Scotland has received a funding boost of £6,480 from the People’s Postcode Trust.

It will go towards its elder abuse recovery project which is available to anyone over 55 in Fife who has experienced some form of abuse.

The award comes in time for International Day for Older Persons today.

AEA Scotland director Lesley Carcary said the project helps recovery through building resilience and helps older victims to regain their independence.

“We are delighted that the People’s Postcode Trust has chosen to support this invaluable work,” she said.

Research and polling data estimates around 10% of older Scots experience some form of abuse each year.

In Fife, this equates to around 7,500 people, although much of this abuse remains hidden because victims may be unwilling or unable to speak out.

Unlike general befriending services, this project goes much further with the year-long programme helping older people towards defined milestones to allow them to move on and no longer require the support of their volunteer.

Delighted by the news Fife had been chosen for the project Provost Jim Leishman said: “We need ambitious ventures like this that will benefit some of the most vulnerable people in our local communities.”