Funded by Comic Relief, Uniting Against Elder Abuse brings together Age Concern Northern Ireland, Alzheimer's Society, Carers Northern Ireland, and Help the Aged in Northern Ireland with the specific aim to:

• Raise awareness of the problem of elder abuse
• Provide access to independent advocacy and advice
• Develop a therapeutic response to support those who experience abuse

Claire Keatinge, director Northern Ireland of the Alzheimer's Society said,

'No older person should have to suffer the indignity of abuse. However, some don't report abuse because they may fear that no-one will believe them or they may rely on their abuser for care and are fearful of the consequences. In cases where a person has dementia, they might be unable to fully understand and communicate what is happening to them.

'Make no mistake about it, elder abuse is happening in Northern Ireland and we all have a responsibility to familiarise ourselves with the facts and to make sure that older people in our society are protected against all forms of abuse and receive appropriate help and advice when it is reported.

'This is ground-breaking work that is challenging and rewarding in equal measure. Advocacy for people with dementia is an effective, rights based approach that places people with dementia at the heart of our work.'

Neil Hunt, Chief Executive said,

'Alzheimer's Society champions the rights of people living with dementia and the millions who care for them.

Alzheimer's Society has joined the Safeguarding Adults Alliance to reinforce our commitment to fight any abuse of people living with dementia and put systems in place early to avoid putting them at risk.'

For more information please contact  Alzheimer's Society on 028 9066 4100 or Carers Northern Ireland on 028 9043 9843.