AGE Alliance Dudley is calling on all public, private and voluntary-sector organisations and businesses to help to keep older people safe.

The alliance, which is a made up of representatives from the Forum of Older People in Dudley, Age UK Dudley, Dudley Council and health, voluntary, and community organisations, wants organisations across the borough to think about how their work impacts on older people and to develop ways in which they can make a difference this year.

Bryan Richens, chairman of the alliance, said: “We want as many organisations and businesses to sign up to our pledge for action. You could be a community group who regularly help to prevent older people from being lonely or you could be a business that makes special arrangements for your older customers.

"No organisation is too big or too small to show their commitment to keeping older people safe in Dudley.”

Councillor Dave Branwood, cabinet member for adult and community services, added: “There are nearly 59,000 people over the age of 65 in Dudley which is 18 percent of the total population of the borough. These older people may be customers, clients, patients, relatives, residents or neighbours.

"As a community council we are committed to making this pledge and have agreed to continue to develop a range of actions and services to support older people in Dudley.”

Organisations will be expected to share the outcomes of their pledges at a showcase event on October 1 on Older People's Day.

For more information, email jill.cloves@ageukdudley.org.uk or call 01384 354508.