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Following the Government’s response to the consultation on safeguarding adults‚ Andrew Harrop‚ Head of Public Policy for Age Concern and Help the Aged‚ said:

“The abuse and neglect of older people is a disgrace to our society‚ but one which often goes unnoticed.  Updating and strengthening the ‘No Secrets’ guidance will help improve the protection of vulnerable adults and bring a renewed focus to tackling this issue.

“Preventing and responding to abuse is a cross-cutting issue and proposals for a new inter-Ministerial board send a clear signal that all government departments will be expected to take action to combat abuse. 

“At a local level Safeguarding Adults Boards‚ underpinned by legislation‚ should play a similar role and ensure that all agencies which can help stamp out abuse make a full contribution.

“Increasing awareness among professionals about how to identify and tackle abuse is vital and new guidance will ensure everyone is more vigilant and confident about when and how to take action to prevent the abuse of adults.”

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Notes to Editors

Age UK is the new force combining Age Concern and Help the Aged. We will be known by our new name from Spring 2010. The Age UK family includes Age Scotland‚ Age Cymru and Age NI.

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