30 Years of Hourglass

Celebrating 30 Years of Adult Safeguarding: Hourglass and Safer Ageing Week 2023

As part of Safer Ageing Week 2023, Hourglass is proud to celebrate its 30th anniversary, marking three decades of tireless efforts to protect and safeguard older adults from abuse and neglect. This milestone provides an opportunity to reflect on how far we’ve come, from the early days of advocacy to becoming a trusted name in adult safeguarding.

1993: The Beginning of Action on Elder Abuse (AEA)

In 1993, Professor Gerry Bennett founded Action on Elder Abuse (AEA), a pioneering organisation dedicated to combating abuse and violence against older adults. Joining him were Paul Kingston and Bridget Penhale, who worked alongside him to shape the charity’s core mission. Their vision was simple yet powerful: to create a society where older people could live free from harm and abuse.

A significant early supporter of AEA was Sally Greengross, who at the time was the Director of Age Concern England. Sally, later known as Baroness Greengross of Notting Hill, championed the cause from its inception and served as the charity’s patron until her passing in June 2022. Her unwavering dedication to safeguarding older adults remains an integral part of the charity’s legacy.

The Evolution of Hourglass: 30 Years of Growth and Impact

Over the last three decades, Hourglass (formerly AEA) has evolved into a robust organization with a UK-wide reach. It remains the only charity of its kind in the UK, focusing exclusively on the prevention of abuse, neglect, and violence against older adults.

Some key milestones in our history include:

• Rebranding to Hourglass (2020): Reflecting our commitment to a future free from harm for older people, the new name symbolised safety and resilience. The message was simple, we’re calling time on the abuse of older people.
• Launch of a 24/7 Helpline (2022): The Hourglass Helpline became the only 24-hour service in the UK dedicated to supporting older victim-survivors of abuse.

Thirty years of adult safeguarding

This document looks at these challenges and definitions of adult safeguarding in the light of Hourglass’ thirty years working in the sector.

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