MORE THAN 3,000 Wirral pensioners are victims of elder abuse.

Shocking new figures, soon to be released by Age Concern, found that the equivalent of three high schools' full of over 65s are being abused by someone they know.

It is estimated that as many as one million older people in Britain are ill-treated on a daily basis.

But this week will see the launch of a major report into the extent of abuse, and a £100,000 three-year camp-aign, supported by Comic Relief, will help to raise awareness in Wirral.

Jamie Anderson from Age Concern Wirral said: "It's believed too many older people are putting up with situations that make them unhappy and fearful because either, they do not know they are actually being abused, or if they do, they do not know that there is help available.

"If the national estimates are right, it means that here in Wirral, there are the equivalent of at least three high schools full of older people who are victims of elder abuse.

"With our Prevent Elder Abuse and Change Exper-iences project (PEACE) we want older people to feel confident enough to come forward and ask for help, without feeling embarrassed."

Comic Relief has funded a national study into the prevalence of elder abuse, which will be published to coincide with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day this Friday, June 15.

It is the culmination of a two-year project which examines elder abuse in a person's home, and does not include institutional settings such as care homes and hospitals.

The scale of abuse is staggering and is set to conjure up wide-scale public interest and political debate.

Gilly Green from Comic Relief said: "We have taken a keen interest in supporting older people to maintain their independence and live the later stages of their lives actively, with dignity and free from fear.

"Sadly, this is not the case for some older people who face abuse and mistreatment from both family members and those who are paid to care for them. The issue is often hidden and we do not know the true extent of the problem."

She added: "We hope that through our research, we can raise awareness and encourage people to talk more openly about it, as well as promote change at a policy level."

A council spokesman said: "Wirral Council has the lead responsibility in the borough for adult protection. Social care staff are fully aware of the impact on people's lives of elder abuse and have robust procedures in place to respond quickly and effectively when necessary.

"Abuse of this nature is totally unacceptable."

For help or advice call Age Concern Wirral on 0151 666 2220..