What we stand for
Vision: A Safer Ageing Society by 2050
We are Hourglass, the only UK-wide charity dedicated to calling time on the abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect of older people. At Hourglass, we work for safer ageing and a fairer society. It’s time to wake up. It’s time to speak out. It’s time to end the abuse of older people. Through our 24/7 Helpline, frontline support, specialist case work support, training, research and campaigning, we work to make that vision a reality.
We work to:
End abuse, harm, exploitation and neglect
We work to create a society where the abuse of older people is recognised, challenged and prevented — wherever it occurs.
Make older people safer
We champion the right of every older person to live free from abuse and harm, including within families, relationships, communities, health and care settings and within any relationship of trust.
Strengthen the response
We work to ensure that police, health, social care, safeguarding, criminal justice and other services recognise the specific experiences and needs of older people and respond effectively.
Ensure the voices of older victim-survivors are heard
We listen to older victim-survivors, amplify their experiences and ensure they have meaningful opportunities to influence the services, policies and systems that affect their lives.
Challenge ageism
We challenge the assumptions and attitudes that make abuse easier to overlook, dismiss or normalise simply because someone is older.
Change the systems that enable harm
We campaign for stronger legislation, policy, practice and accountability so that older people are safer not only from individual perpetrators, but from the systems and structures that can allow harm to continue.
Build a Safer Ageing Society
By 2050, we want older people across the UK to be safe, heard, respected and protected.
Be part of the change:
Safer ageing is everyone's business. Whether you are an older person, family member, professional, volunteer, carer or policymaker, you have a role to play in creating a society where everyone can age safely.
Take action.
Volunteer. Donate. Speak out. Take the OATH.
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