A NEW helpline has been launched to support thousands of local pensioners who are victims of abuse.

Experts at the Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) Scotland charity estimate that around 1,400 elderly people in Renfrewshire have suffered abuse in the past year, while the figure for East Renfrewshire is close to 800.

The charity says this abuse can take a number of forms, including physical, sexual, psychological or financial.

Now a campaign is being launched to make sure older people who find themselves in this situation know that help is at hand.

Lesley Carcary, director of Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, said: “The harm and abuse of older people in our communities is a big problem and, unfortunately, one that doesn’t receive the level of attention it deserves.

“Older people are particularly vulnerable to abuse by ruthless family, friends, carers or fraudsters who victimise them because of their age.

"The perpetrators can be strangers or, all too often, those closest to them, often shattering a relationship of trust.

“Our helpline will not only offer a much-needed listening ear to older people who are being or are at risk of abuse, but will also support them in getting help.

"Our aim is to eradicate elder abuse. We hope that the launch of this helpline takes us one step closer to this goal.”

ELDERLY people in Renfrewshire are more likely to be abused than those in most other parts of the country according to a new report by the charity Action on Elder Abuse (AEA) Scotland.

It has launched a dedicated Scottish helpline to support an increasing number of older people it claims who face physical, sexual, psychological or financial abuse.

This is often from family members, friends and neighbours as well as callous doorstep crooks.

The charity estimates 1381 elderly people are abused every year in Renfrewshire with the figure for East Renfrewshire almost half at 776.

While cities such as Glasgow and Edinburgh have much higher figures, Renfrewshire is at the top of the list for smaller regions.

While AEA says it is difficult to provide accurate figures, it says the helpline will serve a 'growing problem.'

Lesley Carcary, Director of Action on Elder Abuse Scotland, said: “The harm and abuse of older people in our communities is a big problem and, unfortunately, one that doesn’t receive the level of attention it deserves.

“Older people are particularly vulnerable to abuse by ruthless family, friends, carers or fraudsters who victimise them because of their age. The perpetrators can be both strangers and, all-too-often, those closest to them, often shattering a relationship of trust.

“Our helpline will not only offer a much-needed listening ear to older people who are being or are at risk of abuse, but will also support them in getting help. Our aim is to eradicate elder abuse. We hope that the launch of this helpline takes us one step closer to this goal.”

The helpline was launched at the AEA head office in North Queensferry that brought together a range of bodies involved in adult support and protection. It aims to support anyone concerned about the harm and abuse of older people, including physical, psychological and sexual abuse, as well as financial harm and neglect.

Local MP Shirley-Anne Somerville added: "“We all have the right to live without the fear of abuse and that includes Scotland’s growing elderly population. Elder abuse can occur anywhere. It can be in someone’s own home or in a residential home and can include many different types of abuse.

“Services such as this dedicated helpline will play such an important role in protecting vulnerable older people. It’s great to see this work being based in Fife and I’m pleased to support AEA Scotland’s work both locally and nationally.

*The AEA help line number 08088088141 is free to call. Lines are open between 9am and 5pm Monday to Friday.