Adult safeguarding in the spotlight

Published Wednesday, 16th November 2022

A campaign to raise awareness of adult abuse and neglect and the help that is available takes place next week.

National Safeguarding Adults Week runs from November 21st-27th and will focus on a different aspect of safeguarding each day.

The campaign is led by national charity The Ann Craft Trust and supported by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board, the statutory body responsible for the strategic direction of adult safeguarding across Tees Valley.

The daily themes of the campaign will be:

  • Monday – sexual exploitation, modern slavery and county lines.
  • Tuesday – self-neglect.
  • Wednesday – creating safer organisational cultures.
  • Thursday – elder abuse.
  • Friday – domestic abuse in a tech-society.
  • Saturday and Sunday – safeguarding in everyday life.

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “We are pleased to be supporting National Safeguarding Adults Week once again this year, and to be working closely with partners to raise awareness of this very important issue.

“As an authority, we are committed to protecting and upholding the right of all adults to live safely, free from abuse and neglect.”

He said it is important to remember that safeguarding relates to adults of all ages, not just older people, and he added: “We want to empower people by giving them the information they need to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect, and to report their concerns.”

Darren Best, Independent Chair of the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board, said: “We acknowledge that it can be very hard for a person to seek help, but action can only be taken if they or someone who is concerned about them – a family member, a concerned neighbour or even someone who might not initially think it is their business – is prepared to come forward.

“It is important that you report any concerns that you might have as soon as possible to ensure that people are not left at risk of abuse and neglect.”

To report any concerns that you might have about abuse and neglect call Hartlepool Borough Council on (01429) 523390 during normal office hours. On evenings and at weekends call (01642) 524552. More information is also available via the Council’s dedicated adult services website Hartlepool Now at www.hartlepoolnow.co.uk or the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board website at www.tsab.org.uk