Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project

Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project Expanding Across the Whole of Cheshire East Borough

Age UK Cheshire East, a leading charity dedicated to supporting older adults, is thrilled to announce the expansion of its highly successful Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project across the entire Cheshire East borough. This initiative aims to empower and protect older individuals from falling victim to scams while providing comprehensive aftercare support.

With the rising prevalence of scams targeting vulnerable individuals, Age UK Cheshire East, in partnership with Cheshire East Council Trading Standards, recognise the urgent need for an extensive and proactive approach to tackle this issue head-on. The Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project has been successfully running in specific areas of the borough, but due to its overwhelming impact, Age UK Cheshire East has secured funding from the Police and Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, to expand its reach, ensuring every older person in Cheshire East has access to vital support and guidance.

The expanded Project will offer essential services, including:

• 1. A Monthly Scams Awareness Update Bulletin: Free to anyone with an email address.
• 2. Group Scams Awareness Sessions: Age UK Cheshire East will host interactive workshops to educate older adults and people who work with them on the various types of scams. These workshops will equip individuals with the knowledge and tools necessary to spot, avoid, and report scams effectively.
• 3. Personalised Scams Advice Sessions: For residents who are not a member of a group or prefer a one-to-one visit, a member of the Scams Awareness Team can meet with the older person to provide advice about how to avoid becoming a victim of fraud.
• 4. Aftercare support for victims of fraud: Trained advisors will provide confidential one-to-one support to those who have been affected by scams. This personalised assistance will include emotional support, practical advice, and guidance on recovering from the financial and psychological impact of scams.

Sally Wilson, Project Manager at Age UK Cheshire East, expressed her enthusiasm for the project's expansion, stating, "We are delighted to bring our Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project to every corner of Cheshire East. By extending our reach, we can better protect older adults from scams, ensure they receive the support they need, and empower them to reclaim their confidence in an ever-evolving fraud landscape. We are committed to making a positive difference in the lives of older individuals across our community."

Cllr Mick Warren, chair of Cheshire East Council's environment and communities committee, said, "Together, we can build a resilient and vigilant community that safeguards the interests of our older population. We invite residents, businesses, and community organisations to join hands in supporting this vital initiative. By working together, we can create a safer and more secure environment for older adults in Cheshire East."

On awarding the funding, John Dwyer, Police & Crime Commissioner for Cheshire, said, "In my Police and Crime Plan I talk about protecting vulnerable and at-risk people, and unfortunately many older people are targeted by criminals because of their age and perceived vulnerability. That's why I'm delighted to have supported the Scams Awareness and Aftercare project.

"The work that Age UK Cheshire East does is vital in preventing people from becoming victims and offering them the right support when they do. It's only through building up community awareness that we can stop scammers from succeeding, and I look forward to seeing the project in action."

For more information about any of the Project's services, please contact Sally Wilson on 01625 612958 or enquiries@ageukce.org.

Sally Wilson, Project Manager, with the information available at group and individual awareness sessions

About Age UK Cheshire East:

Age UK Cheshire East is a local charity dedicated to supporting older individuals and enhancing their quality of life. With a range of services, including social activities, health and well-being support, and advice on various issues affecting older people, Age UK Cheshire East is committed to enabling older adults to lead fulfilling and independent lives.

For more information, please contact Age UK Cheshire East on 01625 612958 or go to www.ageukce.org