National Safeguarding Adults Week 16-22nd November.

It is the third National Safeguarding Adults Week. The week aims to raise public awareness about the abuse faced by vulnerable citizens in our communities.

At Advocacy Matters we believe passionately in supporting vulnerable citizens to end abuse. Advocates and advocacy schemes work in partnership with the people they support to ensure they are at the centre of any safeguarding process. Each day this week we will tell you about an advocacy partners story about ending abuse.

Today read Jim’s Story– he was groomed befriended and abused.

Each day of Safeguarding Week has a different theme and focus:

Monday-Safeguarding and Wellbeing 

There is a strong link between abuse suffered and a persons ongoing health and well being including their mental health.

Tuesday-Adult Grooming

Grooming involves manipulating someone who is vulnerable and isolated. The groomer builds trust with the person then later down the line abuses them. This can be physically, emotionally, sexually or financially.

Wednesday – Understanding Safeguarding Legislation

All safeguarding procedures are underpinned by legislation. Making Safeguarding Personal is an important part of the Care Act 2014. The Care Act (2014) defines safeguarding adults as protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) aims to make safeguarding person-centred and outcomes focussed, and moves away from process- driven approaches to safeguarding.

Thursday – Creating Safer Places

This is about the publics role in safeguarding. How can you support to make our communities safer places to live for vulnerable citizens.

Friday – Organisational Abuse

This includes poor care and neglect within care settings. This could be within a care home or hospital setting. On this day there will be information about the Transforming Care Agenda.

Saturday – Safeguarding Adults in Sport and Activity

Lets make sport and leisure activities safer for everyone and ensure abuse does not happen.

Sunday – Safeguarding in Your Community

We all have a responsibility to safeguard people in our own communities. On the final day of the week, The Ann Craft Trust aim to organise small coffee mornings and virtual events across the country. We want communities to come together and to recognise our shared responsibilities towards keeping each other safe. 

To read more about the Safeguarding Adults Week visit The Ann Craft Trust Website.

If you are worried that a vulnerable person with care and support needs is being abused and or neglected in Birmingham or Walsall follow these links to report it and help to end abuse.

Or call 0121 303 1234 ( Birmingham) 0300 5552922 ( Walsall).

An advocate can support you if you need help to speak up. Please follow this link or call 0121 321 2377 to make a referral to Advocacy Matters.