14th November 2024 ❘ Burnetts' News
We’ve joined forces with Hourglass to help tackle economic abuse in Cumbria and the North East
We are proud to say we have recently joined forces with national charity Hourglass to support its work to end the economic harm, abuse and exploitation of older people in Cumbria and the North East and across the UK.
The launch of our new partnership coincides with Hourglass’s 2025 Safer Ageing Week, themed ‘Take Note’ which is shedding light on the economic abuse of older people — a hidden epidemic that has led to devastating financial losses. In the past year alone, over £23.5 million was stolen or defrauded from older people in the UK, with an average of £87,000 taken per victim. Shockingly, 61% of these cases involved perpetrators who were family members.
Hourglass’s recent research reveals the scale of this crisis across Cumbria, Durham and Tyne and Wear. In the small number of calls where a monetary value was identified to Hourglass, these older people collectively lost almost £195,000 last year: £15,000 in Cumbria, £100,000 in Durham, and £80,000 in Tyne and Wear.
We are very happy to now be a partner of Hourglass’s Give an Hour Scheme and contribute an hour of time each week, assisting Hourglass in staffing its free to call 24/7 helpline and offering free legal advice – providing a vital lifeline for older people and their families who may be suffering economic abuse.
Johnny Coulthard, our Inheritance, Trusts and Will Disputes Partner (pictured), said:
“It’s a privilege to work with Hourglass and support its helpline and vital casework. The work Hourglass undertakes in raising awareness of this issue and supporting victims of economic abuse is invaluable and I would encourage everyone to look at their website and the services they provide on this very important issue.
“We have significant experience in supporting clients through economic abuse claims and so it’s great to be able to share this knowledge – we are proud to be a partner of the Hourglass Give an Hour Scheme.”
Penny Wilby, Community Fundraising Manager at Hourglass, said:
“Hourglass is incredibly grateful to Burnetts Solicitors for their support through the Give an Hour scheme. By sharing their time and expertise, they are providing our callers in Cumbria and the North East of England with vital information, helping them make informed decisions in difficult circumstances. As the UK’s only charity dedicated to ending the abuse of older people, with the only helpline available 24/7 for those affected, their support makes a real difference. We look forward to building on this impactful partnership.”
With a rapidly ageing population, the economic abuse of older people is set to worsen. Hourglass is urging communities and professionals to ‘Take Note’ and join the movement against this deeply personal and pervasive form of harm.
To find out more about Hourglass and its free helpline, please visit www.wearehourglass.org. For more on how we can help in cases of economic abuse, please click here.