Ministry of Equality Holds ‘Enhancing Financial Safeguards for Older Persons’ Event - 411/2026

The Ministry of Equality has today hosted an important community event entitled "Enhancing Financial Safeguards for Older Persons", continuing the Government's ongoing work to support and protect older persons in Gibraltar.

The event was officially opened by Minister for Equality, Employment, Culture and Tourism, the Hon Christian Santos GMD MP, who highlighted the importance of ensuring that older persons are equipped with the knowledge, support and safeguards needed to protect themselves from financial abuse, scams and exploitation.

The event forms part of a broader programme of initiatives led by the Ministry of Equality focused on the protected characteristic of Age. This has included the marking of the International Day of Older Persons in October, Golden Week in December, and Gibraltar's first Age Symposium held earlier this year in February.

A series of expert presentations were delivered throughout the event by representatives from a number of key organisations and agencies, covering legal, financial, policing, safeguarding and health perspectives.

Presentations were delivered by Leandra Ghio, Lian Falzun and Rachel Hankin from NatWest International; Abigail Cornelio, Senior Partner at Hassans; Karen Truman, Dementia Coordinator at the Gibraltar Health Authority; Maite Carreras, Team Manager with the Care Agency's Social Work Adult Services and by Lourdes Mas, Michael Heap and Jordan Recagno from the Royal Gibraltar Police.

The event also encouraged discussion around the growing importance of financial literacy, early safeguarding interventions, and multi-agency collaboration in protecting vulnerable older persons within the community.

The Ministry of Equality extends its sincere thanks to all speakers and attendees for contributing to what proved to be a highly informative and valuable event. Particular thanks are extended to NatWest International for sponsoring the event and supporting the Ministry's continued work in this area.

Minister Santos said: "As a government, we are committed to ensuring that older persons in Gibraltar are protected, respected and empowered. Financial abuse and exploitation can have devastating consequences, particularly for vulnerable individuals, and events such as this are essential in raising awareness and strengthening safeguards across our community. I am grateful to all our speakers and partners for helping us continue these important conversations and for sharing their expertise with the public."