AGM UPDATE

We held our AGM at the end of October, it was a really well attended and enjoyable evening.

We kicked off the evening with Pennine's Sheltered Officers performing their Elder Abuse play which they had written and produced themselves. Everyone really enjoyed the play and it helped us to develop an understanding of this very important issue.

What is elder abuse?

Elder abuse occurs when an older man or woman is harmed, mistreated or neglected, often by someone in a position of trust.

There are five types of elder abuse: psychological, physical, financial, sexual and neglect.

Facts on elder abuse

• 500,000 are believed to be abused at any one time in the UK.

• 46 per cent of people who abuse are related to the person they are abusing, but very rarely (in only 1 per cent of cases) is the abuser the main family carer.*

• A quarter of those who abuse are sons or daughters.*

• 78 per cent of abuse is perpetrated against people who are over the age of 70, with 16 per cent of that abuse affecting people over the age of 90.*

• Those between 80-89 years old are the most vulnerable to abuse.*

• Two-thirds of abuse is committed at home, by someone in a position of trust.*

• In 37 per cent of situations, two types of abuse occur simultaneously.*

• In a third of circumstances, the abuse is perpetrated by more than one person in collusion.*

* Based on analysis of calls to the Action on Elder Abuse helpline.

The AGM was an opportunity for us to reflect on the success of the last year, each of the Working Groups gave a report on both what they have achieved so far and what they are planning for the coming months.

The outgoing Treasurer, Mary Battye, reported that the accounts had been audited and every thing was in order. The balance at the end of October 2007 was £12,562.50. Thanks were given to all of the Management Team for their hard work during the past 12 months.

New Chair Mary Battye

The results of the elections of the new committee we as follows:

Chair Mary Battye

Vice
Chair Bill Stafford

Secretary Sue Molineux

Treasurer Chris Lates

Big Picture Working Group

Ruth Rider Convenor

Margaret Coupe Don McLean Bill Stafford

Training Group

Chris Lates Convenor

Bill Stafford

TARA Liaison (agreed this should include organising social events)

Bert Swaine

Iris O'Donnell

Board Observers

Margaret Coupe

Sheila Gilmore

The other highlights of the evening were the Cheese & Wine supper and presenting Heptonstall TA with their trophy for becoming the 1st Federation Quiz Night Champions.