Age UK Cheshire East Recognised At Hero Awards

Local MP, David Rutley, recently met with Sally Wilson, manager of the Age UK Cheshire Scams Project, to celebrate her highly commended award in the 2023 CTSI Hero Awards.

He also discussed the crucial work the team has been doing to protect Macclesfield residents from scammers.

The Older Persons Scams Awareness and Aftercare project is an innovative approach to raising awareness of scams and doorstep crime amongst older people and to supporting those who have been scammed to not become a repeat victim. This project sets a new standard between Age UK Cheshire East and Cheshire East Council’s Trading Standards Team.  During the meeting, David also met Mark Lodge of the Trading Standards team to discuss their role in this vital partnership project.

The Chartered Trading Standards Institute Awards event, held in London, is an opportunity to celebrate individuals or groups of people who make outstanding contributions towards consumer protection in our communities. At this year’s event, Ms Wilson’s work was recognised with a highly commended award. The award recognised how the project offers a range of services for individuals, from personal scams advice sessions, to support for people who have been a victim of scams and fraud, community talks and a monthly newsletter. 

Ms Wilson indicated that Age UK Cheshire East have a team of volunteer Scams Awareness Champions, which help deliver these important services. They are always looking for new people to join the team. The volunteers share fraud awareness information in the community, prepare resources for fraud awareness sessions and visit older people to raise awareness of fraud.

More information on their important role can be found using the following link: 

https://www.ageuk.org.uk/cheshireeast/get-involved/volunteer/celebrate-volunteering/

Speaking after the meeting, David said:

“Age UK Cheshire East carries out vital work across our local community for older residents on a range of issues – the scams awareness programme is vitally important. It is essential that more people are made aware of the potential risk of scams and when required, receive after care support to help them recover. I am pleased to see their work has been recognised and I wish the team continued success.”

Pictured - David Rutley, Sally Wilson and Mark Lodge.