Southern Cross Takes Part in Ground Breaking Project to Tackle Elder Abuse In Care Homes

Southern Cross is delighted to be part of a major partnership designed to protect older people from the effects of abuse.

On Tuesday 23rd October representatives from both the statutory and private sector joined together to launch a unique helpline for service users and staff living and working in a number of care homes in Essex.

Fear of reprisals often prevents people reporting abuse. The launch of this new service, which has taken several months to develop, is intended to change this.

Staffed by the registered charity, Action on Elder Abuse this independent service gives people an opportunity to report abuse and be satisfied that any reports will be treated seriously and without repercussions for those concerned. The helpline will initially be available to 1,000 service users, their relatives and representatives and approximately 1,500 staff in 19 of our homes.

Such is the importance of this issue, the project has attracted significant interest from the media both locally and nationally. Kamma Foulkes, Group Operations Director at Southern Cross also represented the partnership in an interview on BBC Breakfast Television.

All of the participants - Southern Cross, Rushcliffe Care, Essex Vulnerable Adult Protection Committee, the Commission for Social Care Inspection and Action on Elder Abuse - eagerly await the results of the trial in 6 months time.

Click here to read the full press release from Action on Elder Abuse.