Two free conferences on supporting elderly people who experience abuse.

Two free conferences to help practitioners who work with or come into contact with older people who experience abuse are set to take place next February.

The conferences aim to raise awareness of, and help practitioners share good practice about, supporting the rights and choices of older people who experience abuse.

Among the speakers are Yasmin Khan, the National Advisor for Violence against Women, Gender-based Violence, Domestic Abuse and Sexual Violence, and members of the Older People’s Commissioner’s office. The plenary-based morning will be followed by four workshops in the afternoon.

Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “Raising awareness amongst professionals about the nature, scale and impact of the abuse faced by older people is an essential part of tackling a significant issue that affects thousands every year.

“I am looking forward to working in partnership with Social Care Wales and Dewis Choice to deliver two conferences early next year that will provide practitioners with a wide range of practical information to help grow their knowledge and understanding of the abuse that affects older people and the support available to those who are the victims of abuse.”

Sue Evans, chief executive of Social Care Wales, said: “It’s crucial that practitioners in Wales who work with older people are aware about the different types of abuse that older people may experience so they can help safeguard them, while also promoting their rights and choices.

“We are pleased to be working jointly with the Older People’s Commissioner and Dewis Choice to organise these conferences, which we hope will provide practitioners with that vital knowledge and understanding they need to be able to safeguard older people from abuse.”

The conferences will take place on 6 February 2019 at Glasdir in Llanrwst and on 21 February 2019 at the YMCA in Newport. Lunch and refreshments will be provided.

The conferences are being run jointly by us, the Older People’s Commissioner for Wales and the Dewis Choice Project (Aberystwyth University).

Book your place at Hidden problem: Supporting older people who experience abuse in Llanrwst or Newport.

If you have any questions about the conference or would like more information, please email Vivienne Davies at vivienne.davies@socialcare.wales