The MP for Macclesfield has welcomed progress on a scheme to protect older people from being scammed.

David Rutley MP recently met with Sally Wilson, Project Manager at Age UK Cheshire East, to review the positive progress being made with the new Older Persons Scams Awareness and Aftercare Project.

Since April, Age UK Cheshire East have successfully hosted four scam awareness sessions. These sessions focus on making older people more aware of scams, as well as explaining how to avoid and report them.

Age UK Cheshire East also send out a monthly bulletin to older people and those working with them, focusing on the different types of scams that are active at that time and how they can be avoided.

During the meeting, Sally explained that Age UK Cheshire East, with their project partners Cheshire East Council Trading Standards, hold bi-monthly project group meetings with Cheshire East Council, local PCSOs, Cheshire Police Economic Crime Unit, Community and Voluntary Services (CVS) Cheshire East and local banks.

She added that the team is actively working with a number of other organisations to improve awareness of the project.

Age UK Cheshire East, in partnership with Cheshire East Council Trading Standards, are also providing much needed aftercare for those who have sadly already fallen victim to such crimes by providing one-to-one support.

This is important as being scammed can seriously affect a person's quality of life and mental wellbeing as victims regularly experience anxiety, embarrassment and even depression.

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Anyone wishing to find out how a local group could benefit from an awareness session or to become a volunteer can get in touch with Sally Wilson, Project Manager at Age UK Cheshire East, on 07932 999902 or [email protected].

After the meeting David said "It's good to see the positive progress that Sally Wilson is making with this vital project and hear of the important work that Age UK Cheshire East have taken forward over the last few months to support and protect elderly people.

"During these unprecedented times, it is more important than ever that people are not only aware of scams but understand how best to avoid them. I am very keen that more people are able to make use of the important awareness sessions that Age UK Cheshire East is providing."