Monday 23 November 2009

Age Sector Platform has welcomed the launch of a new, dedicated community safety strategy for older people.  The strategy was launched by the NIO Minister Paul Goggins MP to a packed room of older people in Grosvenor House in Belfast this morning.

Michael Monaghan, spokesperson for Age Sector Platform said:  “Older people have been calling for a dedicated strategy to reduce the level of crime and fear of crime among our older citizens for some time and we are pleased that our voice has now been heard and acted upon.  Older people will be at the heart of this strategy and will have a stronger say on what they require to be safe and feel safe in their home and wider community.”

“Thankfully, most older people do not become victims of crime but the sickening attacks over the past week have highlighted once again the need for a greater focus on the issue.  Older people should not have to live in fear.  Being the victim of crime in your later years, regardless of the severity, is a frightening and unsettling experience.  For many older people it can lead to poor mental and physical health, increased social isolation and serve as a real barrier to remaining a full and active member of society.”

“As a society we need to take a stand against those who prey on our most vulnerable.  The perpetrators of these crimes must be caught and their punishment must reflect the seriousness of their crimes.  Many older victims of crime face a life sentence of fear and more must be done to prevent these crimes and to support those who are on the receiving end of them.”

“Age Sector Platform has always supported the older person’s right to live free from fear of crime within their home and community and today marks a major step forward in addressing this important issue.  We welcome the commitment that older people will be at the heart of the Safer Ageing strategy and will have a key role in monitoring progress against its aims.”

Mr Monaghan continued, “We all can play a role in tackling this issue. Many older people can help themselves by taking a number of simple and practical steps in securing their home. Society at large can also help tackle this problem by looking out for their older neighbours and government can ensure that the appropriate resources and energy are put into to tackling this problem.”

“This strategy is not the end but rather marks the beginning of an enhanced programme of work and older people and their representatives are ready to play their part in tackling this scourge in our society.  Age Sector Platform will continue to work on behalf of older people to ensure that the strategy lives up to its name – it must work to ensure that older people can live a full and active life safely and without fear.”

The Safer Ageing strategy is available here www.communitysafetyni.gov.uk for viewing and downloading.