The Elder Abuse Recovery Service (EARS) is a new specialist befriending service covering Brighton, Hove and East Sussex.
The service supports victims of elder abuse, after the abuse has been ended, and the aim is to help them begin to regain their confidence and independence and re-build their lives.
Abuse victims will often retreat into their homes and may be living isolated and possibly lonely lives. Our service aims to prevent this by helping people re-engage in social contact and activity. Our Outreach and Telephone Volunteer Befrienders will get to know clients and their interests and find the activities they want. Volunteers will get information for clients and support them in taking the first steps to visit groups and activities to try things out. The ideal outcome is that people find the activities they will enjoy but also have support for the future through new safe contacts and friends.
Administrative support - using volunteers - is based in our Brighton office and is essential as we establish this new service and set in place efficient operational systems to support both clients and our volunteers.
EARS works with a network of local statutory, voluntary and private services and groups who are potential referrers of older people who may benefit from our service. We also promote to raise awareness within communities about elder abuse and the service and to attract volunteers from all parts of East Sussex. Volunteer befrienders are linked into partnerships with clients, after introductory meetings. Cases are time limited and close when clients feel confident enough to move on independently. Volunteers receive Induction and on-going training, within a structure of monitoring, reviews and support.
