Hourglass Scotland has launched the first 24/7 helpline dedicated to helping older victims of abuse and the services that support them, available by phone: 0808 808 8141.

Previously known as Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, Hourglass has extended their helpline’s hours as part of a major push to highlight the “hidden epidemic” of abuse experienced by older people, and get survivors the support they need.

Hourglass’ research suggests that ss many as 2.7 million people are thought to be affected by the abuse of older people in the UK, with upwards of 225,000 victims in Scotland; new data from their helpline shows only a fraction of those victims (0.2%) are accessing the helpline to get specialist support from Hourglass.

Additionally, in 2021, 28% of calls to the helpline took place outside of office hours and were unanswered; this will no longer happen, thanks to the 24/7 extension.

The extension into a 24/7 service has been made possible thanks to Home Office funding for Hourglass’ services in England; Hourglass Scotland is supporting the extension here with their own reserves, and are looking to secure funding for their Scottish service. They are asking care homes, GP surgeries, police, and other third sector groups and organisations who support and care for older people, to promote the helpline’s new hours, and raise awareness of the “hidden epidemic” of elder abuse, as well as the need for funding.

Alongside the 24/7 helpline, Hourglass is also working to expand its specialist Independent Domestic Violence Advocate (IDVA) scheme into more local authority areas, to help older survivors of abuse remain safe in their homes.

The helpline is also for family members concerned about an older relative or friend, as well as those within the health and social care and criminal justice sectors. They are calling on all people and professionals who support older people to reach out, whatever time of day, if they are concerned about abuse, and to promote the helpline number as far and wide as possible: the helpline number is 0808 808 8141.

For further information, please visit the Hourglass Scotland website.

Alternatively, for information on short, free webinars on how to spot the signs of elder abuse, and the different support Hourglass can provide, contact Hourglass by email: enquiries@wearehourglass.org