Dr. Anne Kelly, SI Tenby programme action officer, accompanied by three fellow club members, met with Gwenda Thomas, Deputy Minister for Social Services, as well as representatives from Age Cymru, on the front steps of the Senedd in order to present a petition in support of the Rule Out Abuse Charter recently.

Dr Kelly was one of three individuals in Wales to gather the most signatures in support of the charter.

The Rule out Abuse Charter is spear-headed by Age Cymru and is founded upon three key principles to protect the elderly in Wales.

These are firstly, to prioritise safety, secondly to protect from harm and respect choices and thirdly to promote the right to dignity and respect. Wales has the highest prevalence of elder abuse in the UK, with a rate of six per cent, compared with 4.3 per cent in Scotland, 3.9 per cent in England and three per cent in Northern Ireland.

The campaign calls upon the Welsh Government to endorse the charter and take decisive action to implement a robust legal framework which ensures every adult in Wales is protected from abuse.

Thanks to Dr. Kelly's efforts, Tenby Soroptimists were privileged to be part of this important campaign event at the National Assembly for Wales.

Afterwards, they enjoyed refreshments in the Senedd and an opportunity to have a tour the building.