The Hindu : Karnataka / Bangalore News : Help for elders is a phone call away

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Thursday, Sep 09, 2010
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Karnataka

Karnataka - Bangalore

Help for elders is a phone call away

Staff Reporter

Another toll-free helpline for senior citizens launched

— Photo: V. Sreenivasa Murthy

Useful Service:Sunil Kumar Singh from the Karnataka State Legal Service Authority launching the helpline for elders in Bangalore on Wednesday.

Bangalore: To provide support for elders who are neglected, abused and financially exploited, HelpAge India, a non-governmental organisation, launched a toll-free elders' helpline here on Wednesday.

Senior citizens living in the city may call 1800-180-1253 between 9.15 a.m. and 5.15 p.m. for assistance.

Once a call is made to the above number, it gets registered and reaches the helpline staff.

This helpline functions separately from the 24-hour toll-free helpline at 1090 or 080-22943226 run by Nightingales Medical Trust and the city police, as well as the helpline at 080-41511307 run by the Dignity Foundation that works between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Senior manager (programmes) of HelpAge India M. Prakashan said the new helpline would provide medical assistance, apart from information referral services for senior citizens in need. Those who required guidance and counselling, or help from the police could also access the helpline.

Besides, the staff manning the helpline would coordinate with the local police in rescuing elders who were missing.

Sunil Kumar Singh from the Karnataka State Legal Services Authority, who launched the helpline, offered all assistance to the organisation in supporting elders. “We can work together. Wherever required, our legal services authority is ready to provide legal assistance to them,” he said.

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