Hello, I'm Kirsty, an IDVA working for Hourglass, based here in Pembrokeshire. Hourglass is the UK’s only charity dedicated to ending the harm, abuse, and exploitation of older people. We would very much welcome the opportunity to build and maintain strong links with your organisation and explore ways that we can work together to better support older people in our communities. Our Helpline is available for anyone concerned about an older person who may be experiencing harm, abuse, or exploitation. Older people aged 60 and over can access support directly through our helpline via phone, text, instant message, and chatbot. Professionals can contact our 24/7 Helpline on 0808 808 8141 and can also make referrals through our dedicated professional referral email: [email protected] .This referral email is for professional use only and ensures that older people can be connected quickly and safely with the right support. Family members and friends who have concerns about an older person aged 60 and over can also contact our Helpline for advice and support by calling the helpline or emailing [email protected].
Our trained Frontline Officers are the first point of contact for older people reaching out for help. They triage all enquiries, provide immediate emotional support, assess risk, and advise on urgent safety measures.
Where appropriate, they make adult safeguarding referrals and coordinate with local agencies. Our frontline service operates across multiple channels. Monday to Friday, 9am–5pm, email, text, and instant message platforms are available for anyone concerned about an older person.
Depending on the level of risk and individual needs, our Frontline Officers may provide ongoing support directly or refer individuals into more intensive casework with a trained Hourglass Independent Domestic Violence Advisor (IDVA) or Independent Sexual Violence Advisor (ISVA). Our IDVAs and ISVAs work closely with our 24/7 Helpline to provide specialist support.
Our team is supported by three Frontline Service Leads, all trained IDVAs, one of whom leads on high-risk casework. Our wraparound support includes:
• Immediate emotional support and advice on safety and risk reduction
• Guidance on services available for older people and risk management
• Adult safeguarding referrals and coordination with statutory services • Signposting and advocacy with local agencies Specialist IDVA and ISVA casework support includes:
• Personalised safety planning
• Trauma-informed, person-centred support promoting long-term safety and recovery
• Emotional and psychological support
• Representation at MARAC (Multi-Agency Risk Assessment Conferences)
• Support accessing legal protection, housing, healthcare, and the justice system
• Support with recovery and reconnecting with local communities
• Representation at Domestic Abuse Related Death Panels involving older service users.
We regularly work alongside professionals and organisations to provide expert advice on cases involving older people. This includes jointly supporting cases and developing both informal and formal referral pathways. As a learning organisation, research is central to our work.
We conduct our own studies into the experiences and needs of older people and are always open to exploring joint research projects, collaborative initiatives, and funding opportunities with partners.
You can also access a range of resources and webinars through our website. We would welcome the opportunity to meet with you, share information about our services, and explore how we can collaborate to improve support for older people experiencing harm, abuse, and exploitation.
Please do not hesitate to get in touch if you would like to arrange a meeting or discuss partnership opportunities.
Hello, I'm Kirsty, an IDVA working for Hourglass, based here in Pembrokeshire. Hourglass is the UK’s only charity dedicated to ending the harm, abuse, and exploitation of older people. We would very much welcome the opportunity to build and maintain strong links with your organisation and explore ways that we can work together to better support older people in our communities. Our Helpline is available for anyone concerned about an older person who may be experiencing harm, abuse, or...
