A NATIONAL charity is targeting support groups and helplines across the Fylde coast in a bid to raise awareness of abuse among older people.

Action on Elder Abuse are offering free training on how to identify and advise older people facing bullying, violence or hardship in their home or residence.

The Lottery-funded charity has already managed to help thousands of UK pensioners through its London-based confidential helpline which was established in 1994.

But it is hoped the training will encourage the elderly to seek more one-to-one contact with staff at local charities and organisations.

An Action on Elder Abuse spokeswoman, Chandra Maharaj said: "Too many elderly people live with the physical violence, emotional intolerance or threats to their financial well-being.

"This abuse can happen anywhere from hospitals to care homes, sheltered housing to day centres. Elderly people can even be vulnerable in their own homes.

"Our current role is to be here to listen to them and reassure them that their concerns are genuine and they have a right to live their lives in peace.

"We can then point them in the right direction by suggesting which individual or body they need to get in touch with.

"But often there is not substitute for face-to-face contact with a local charity or support group volunteer and, as we're based in London, it's not possible for us to meet each caller in person.

"That's why we hope our training and awareness campaign will help reach out to more people in need and ease their suffering on a local and more personal level."

For further information or to speak with an Action on Elder Abuse volunteer contact 0202 808 8141 or log on to www.elderabuse.org.uk