Report It – the most important advice to keep adults safe

7 June 2012

Keeping adults safe is work that is sometimes forgotten.

Protecting people against the harm caused by neglect and abuse is not just a professional responsibility, and Adult Safeguarding Week 2012 is a way of reminding everyone that they have a part to play. This will take place from 11 June 2012 to 15 June 2012.

Giving people the right information, encouraging them to speak up and standing by them when they have the courage to make a stand are all essential ways to support vulnerable people.

Perhaps the most important message, however, is the most simple: Report It.

Encouraging people to report any concern they might have – for themselves, for somebody they know, a family member or someone they care about – can make all the difference. Doing something as simple as reporting a concern can help keep vulnerable people safe.

Andrew Ireland, chairman of Kent and Medway Multi Agency Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Executive Board, said: “Protecting adults, the work that is done on safeguarding right across the county, is of the highest priority and something that I feel particularly strongly about.

“While I am very pleased that all the agencies are working closely together, there will always be more that we can do. It is certainly important for everyone to take responsibility for safeguarding. Reporting concerns is at the heart of protecting vulnerable adults. It is through this kind of on-the-ground intelligence that we are able to help more people.

“I would urge anyone who has any kind of concern, whether it’s about physical assault, financial abuse or anything else, to report it.”