Support for older people took centre stage in Enniscorthy this week as the Health Service Executive (HSE) marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day with a practical community outreach campaign. By meeting people where they already are — in local pharmacies — the initiative showed how public services can make safeguarding advice more visible, approachable and effective.
The event, led by the HSE Adult Safeguarding Team, formed part of a wider regional effort across Carlow, Kilkenny, Waterford, Wexford and South Tipperary. In Enniscorthy, pharmacy customers were offered information, guidance and a chance to speak directly with trained staff about concerns involving abuse, neglect or inadequate care affecting older people.
How the Health Service Executive (HSE) brought safeguarding into the community
The Health Service Executive (HSE) partnered with local pharmacies to create informal drop-in points where members of the public could ask questions and learn about available supports. This approach matters because elder abuse can often remain hidden, especially when people are unsure where to turn or fear stigma around speaking up.
According to the HSE Adult Safeguarding Team, the key message behind the campaign was simple: every older person has the right to live free from abuse in all its forms. Community-facing information stands can help families, carers, neighbours and older people themselves recognise warning signs earlier and access help faster.
Officials said the outreach model also allowed the team to engage directly with residents who may not otherwise contact formal services. In that sense, the Health Service Executive (HSE) campaign reflects a broader public service trend also seen across bodies such as gov.ie, the Department of Health, and the Citizens Information Board: bringing essential guidance closer to the public.
Why World Elder Abuse Awareness Day matters
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an important annual reminder that abuse of older people can take many forms. It may be physical, emotional, financial, sexual or linked to neglect. In some cases, it can happen in private homes, care settings or community environments, making awareness and reporting pathways especially important.
Public information events like the one in Enniscorthy help highlight several key points:
- Older people have a right to safety, dignity and respect.
- Concerns do not need proof before they are raised.
- Family members, friends and neighbours can play a vital role in spotting risks.
- Support services are available through the Health Service Executive (HSE).
This awareness work sits within a wider ecosystem of Irish public bodies concerned with wellbeing, accountability and protection, including Tusla, the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in cases involving privacy, and the Workplace Relations Commission (WRC) where employment-related care concerns may arise.
What to do if you are worried about an older person
The Health Service Executive (HSE) is urging anyone with concerns about an older person to seek advice. You may be an older person experiencing mistreatment yourself, or you may be worried about someone who seems fearful, isolated, financially pressured or poorly cared for.
Possible steps include:
- Speak to the HSE Adult Safeguarding Team for confidential guidance.
- Record key concerns, such as changes in behaviour or care needs.
- Contact emergency services if there is immediate danger, including An Garda SÃochána where necessary.
- Use trusted public information sources such as gov.ie for related service guidance.
In the South East, the HSE Safeguarding Team can be contacted on Freephone 0818 101 101.
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On-the-ground information stands can be a simple but powerful way to connect people with help.
A clear takeaway for families and communities
The Enniscorthy event underlines an essential message: safeguarding older people is a shared community responsibility, and help is available. By taking advice directly into everyday settings, the Health Service Executive (HSE) has made it easier for people to start difficult but necessary conversations. As awareness grows, earlier reporting and better support can help protect dignity, independence and safety for older people across the region.
