‘Ban trick or treat in Welshpool’ call

A care provider operating across the Welshpool area has called for a ban on trick or treating the elderly. 

Abacare said that the Halloween ritual can prove frightening for the elderly and that cold calling can cause distress.

Peter Angelides, CEO of Abacare, said: “Halloween is a very child-orientated holiday and while we encourage youngsters to have fun, we also urge them to think about any elderly relatives or neighbours they might have as the celebrations can cause fear.

“It can be especially frightening for any elderly people living alone who may not want to open their doors to strangers on a cold winter evening. Not opening the door can result in a nasty ‘trick’ being played, which is equally distressing for older people.

“We want people to be more aware of the elderly and vulnerable this Halloween and instead of trick or treating on them, perhaps people can check they are warm and doing ok.”

Feelings of anxiety around Halloween is also known as Samhainophobia. People with the phobia can feel panic and huge amounts of stress throughout the Halloween period.

The thought of what the people at the door might do if they don’t answer it can be particularly worrying, as people have been known to throw eggs, flour, throw fireworks and start fires.

Peter added: “We will be providing our service users with posters to display in their window to deter potential trick or treaters from knocking on their doors and we hope the rest of Wales follows suit.” 

PICTURE: One of the campaign posters