Adult safeguarding - protecting vulnerable adults
Abuse can be carried out by anyone, even those that we trust, such as relatives, friends or carers...
Adult safeguarding is about helping to keep people safe from harm. It refers to the support and protection offered to adults aged 18 and over who may have health or social care needs and could be at risk of abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding is a shared responsibility across many public services, but the Council plays a leading role in making sure adults are protected and supported with dignity and respect.
Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership website, a multi-agency adult safeguarding system designed to prevent abuse and neglect, and to respond swiftly when concerns arise.
Visit the Telford and Wrekin Safeguarding Partnership website
Report abuse or neglect
Family Connect is your first point of contact if you are worried about a vulnerable person being abused or neglected.. say something.
Opening hours:
Monday to Friday from 9am - 5pm
Telephone: 01952 385385 (option 2)
Email: familyconnect@telford.gov.uk
Emergency Duty team
Always call 999 if the issue is an emergency or you or another person are in immediate danger.
Contact the Emergency Duty team for urgent situations, outside of normal hours, which cannot be left with an appropriate degree of safety until the next normal working day, including weekends and bank holidays.
Telephone: 01952 676500
Unsure about reporting abuse, your concern could make a difference...
It’s natural to feel unsure about reporting abuse - people often worry about being wrong or causing harm.
But every concern is treated with care, focusing on the safety and wellbeing of the person at risk.
When you report abuse, we will:
- listen to the person and understand their wishes
- work with them and professionals to reduce risk
- use legal measures to improve safety
- learn from each case to improve future safeguarding.
Making safeguarding personal means putting the individual at the heart of every decision.
Under the Care Act 2014, adult abuse refers to various forms of harm that can affect individuals, particularly those who are unable to protect themselves or speak out.
There are ten main types of abuse:
- physical
- sexual
- psychological or emotional
- financial or material
- discriminatory
- neglect and acts of omission
- organisational or institutional
- domestic violence
- modern slavery
- self-neglect.
If you're concerned that a vulnerable adult in the Telford and Wrekin area may be experiencing abuse or neglect, please speak up - your action could make a vital difference.
An adult may be considered at risk if they:
- are elderly and frail due to ill health
- have a physical disability or sensory impairment
- have a learning disability
- experience cognitive impairment
- have mental health needs
- live with a long-term illness or condition
- misuse substances or alcohol
- are a carer (a family member or friend)
- lack the capacity to make decisions and require care and support.
Abuse can take place in a wide range of settings, including:
- care homes
- public spaces
- day centres
- hospitals
- a person’s own home.