A community-based scheme to combat elder abuse and support victims will launch in Eastbourne on Thursday 25 July 2013.

National charity Action on Elder Abuse, with the help of East Sussex County Council, is launching the support group which will be run by volunteers and be a point of contact for those concerned about abuse.

The group will be working to combat elder abuse in the area in and around Eastbourne and will be focussing on supporting victims of abuse aged 55 and over to recover from the emotional and psychological effects of their experiences.

Gloria Eveleigh, Action on Elder Abuse project co-ordinator, said: “More older people in our local communities experience abuse than we realise – often by the very people they thought they could trust.

“Action on Elder Abuse uses trained local volunteers to support them to recover and regain the life they once enjoyed. It’s good for the victims, the volunteers and the community.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about the group or getting involved can attend the launch on Thursday at the Century Room, The Old Print Works in Wharf Road, Eastbourne between 1pm and 3pm.

More information about the work of Action on Elder Abuse is available on the charity’s website