Next week is Safeguarding Adults Week (18 to 22 November) and Plymouth residents are reminded of the importance of reporting any safeguarding concerns.
Safeguarding Adults Week aims to raise awareness of adult abuse, neglect and exploitation, and the role everyone has to play in safeguarding.
Safeguarding means protecting someone’s right to live in safety, free from harm, abuse and neglect.
Adults who may need support from safeguarding include those who rely on others for care or support, or who can’t speak up for themselves, whether that is due to their age, physical or learning disability, mental health or involvement in substance use.
There are different types of abuse that adults may experience. This includes domestic abuse, physical, emotional, sexual and financial abuse, modern slavery, discrimination, neglect or exploitation and organisational abuse. People may also self-neglect, which covers a wide range of behaviour neglecting to care for their personal hygiene, health or surroundings, such as declining assistance with care needs, medical issues or hoarding.
Plymouth Safeguarding Adults Partnership (PSAP) works to ensure that local safeguarding arrangements and partner agencies act to help and protect adults in the city. The partnership includes representatives from Plymouth City Council, the police, health services and independent care providers.
Members of PSAP will be visiting a number of Wellbeing Hubs and events during the week to share more information about safeguarding and answer any questions. There’s no need to book, just come along on the day:
Wednesday 20 November
- ELM Wellbeing Hub, 9am to 11am
- Southway Wellbeing Hub, 11.30am to 1pm
Thursday 21 November
- Mannamead Wellbeing Hub, 11.30am to 2pm
- Safer Plymouth Roadshow, on the Piazza in the city centre, from 3pm
- Winter Wonder Lights event on Union Street, 5pm to 7pm.
Andy Bickley, Independent Chair of PSAP, said: “Adult safeguarding is about protecting people’s dignity and rights. Everyone has the absolute right to live life free from abuse, exploitation, any form of harm or neglect, be that physical, sexual, emotional, or financial. But some adults may need more help than others to stay safe including some people with disabilities, older people, people experiencing mental ill-health or a debilitating long-term illness, people experiencing domestic abuse, or those with problematic substance use.
“National Safeguarding Adults week is a valuable opportunity for organisations and communities in Plymouth to come together to raise awareness of people who may be at risk and crucially how to act on any concerns or signs that make them feel uncomfortable. There are several ways you can support Safeguarding Adults Week in our city including by attending events or engaging with our social media.”
Councillor Mary Aspinall, Cabinet Member for Health and Social Care, said: “Everyone has the right to live their life free from violence, fear and abuse. This week gives us a great opportunity to remind people that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you’re concerned about an adult, whether it’s that they are being abused or neglected by someone who is meant to care for them or that they are struggling and neglecting themselves, please speak up. It’s important that we all do our bit to look out for one another.”
If you are worried that an adult is being abused or neglected, please report it. You can do this online at www.plymouth.gov.uk/reportabuse or by calling Plymouth City Council on 01752 668000.
If a crime has been committed, you can also contact Devon & Cornwall Police on 101. In an emergency where someone’s life is at risk because of violence or serious illness or injury, you should call 999.