Adult safeguarding in the spotlight

Published Monday, 20th November 2023

A campaign to raise awareness of adult abuse and neglect and the help that is available is taking place from 20-24th November.

National Safeguarding Adults Week has the over-arching theme of: how you can prioritise the welfare and wellbeing of yourself and others.

Each day of the campaign will also have its own specific focus:

  • Monday: What’s My Role in Safeguarding Adults?
  • Tuesday: Let’s Start Talking – Taking the Lead on Safeguarding in Your Organisation.
  • Wednesday: Who Cares for the Carers? Secondary and Vicarious Trauma.
  • Thursday: Adopting a Trauma-Informed Approach to Safeguarding Adults.
  • Friday: Listen, Learn, Lead – Co-Production with Experts by Experience.

The campaign is led by national charity The Ann Craft Trust and supported by Hartlepool Borough Council and the Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board (TSAB), the statutory body responsible for the strategic direction of adult safeguarding across Tees Valley. Find out more at https://bit.ly/3szn9Rp

Councillor Bob Buchan, Chair of Hartlepool Borough Council’s Adult and Community Based Services Committee, said: “As an authority, we are committed to protecting and upholding the right of all adults to live safely, free from abuse and neglect so we are pleased to be once again supporting National Safeguarding Adults Week.

“It is important to recognise that safeguarding relates to adults of all ages, not just older people, and we aim to give people 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.”

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