Age Concern Wirral’s poster campaign pays off

Aug 27 2008 by Sue McCann, Birkenhead News

AGE Concern Wirral says its controversial poster campaign is paying off.

By raising awareness of abuse of the elderly, the charity has been receiving an increased number of calls from people reporting abuse incidents.

Shirley Tyler, of Age Concern Wirral, said: “The poster campaign is hard-hitting but its message is obviously getting across.”

Following the launch of the PEACE campaign - Preventing Elder Abuse and Changing Experiences - the series of five posters is being released over the next 10 months.

The first tells the story of “Fred” who is a victim of financial abuse.

The following story boards will recount individual personal experiences of four other forms of abuse of the elderly.

Shirley continued: “It is hoped that by highlighting individual cases, the public will relate to either their own experiences or those of others they know.

“In turn, by reporting these experiences, help and support can then be sought for these victims, which will put a stop to their misery.”

The Comic Relief-funded PEACE campaign sends out the message Elder Abuse Is No Laughing Matter.

She added: “It is absolutely vital that this message continues to spread and reach as many of Wirral’s older people as possible.”

Shirley will be out and about over the following months delivering short informative talks to lunch clubs, church groups and other organisations across the Wirral.

Anyone wanting to find out more about the PEACE campaign can contact Shirley Tyler at Age Concern Wirral on 666 2220.