Cafes join forces against abuse

Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is working with Palmer's of Shrewsbury and Massarella's Coffee Shop to promote World Elder Abuse Awareness Day on 15 June.

The two cafes will have a purple themed day to raise awareness of the cause and Age UK Shropshire Telford & Wrekin is encouraging everyone to go along, get a coffee and buy a purple ribbon badge for £1.

The United Nations has designated June 15 as World Elder Abuse Awareness Day to focus global attention on the problem of physical, emotional, and financial abuse of older people. An estimated half a million older people in the UK are abused and neglected every day by individuals they thought they could trust.

Heather Osborne, Chief Executive said: 'This is a difficult topic to talk about but one that needs highlighting; there is no excuse for abuse. Many older people suffer abuse of some form and the signs can be hard to spot. We are asking people to wear something purple on 15 June and encourage others to do the same to raise awareness of this issue.'

Any money raised will go to the charity Action on Elder Abuse, which provides a free national helpline (080 8808 8141) for people concerned about or experiencing abuse.

Purple ribbon badges will also be available from our Shrewsbury office.