Advice for family and friends
Do you know someone who is over the age of 18 who cannot always protect themselves from harm and may need care services because of mental illness, physical impairment or learning disability, age, illness, or personal circumstances?
They could be ‘at risk’ which does not means that they lack capacity or cannot make their own decisions about their life; instead, the term simply means that they may be more likely to experience exploitation or abuse and may have greater difficulty addressing the situation if it does occur.
Anyone can witness or become aware of information suggesting that abuse is occurring. It is important that everyone understands what to do, and where to get help and advice. It is vital that everyone remains vigilant on behalf of those unable to protect themselves. This will include:
- knowing about different types of abuse and neglect and their signs
- supporting adults to keep them safe
- knowing who to tell about suspected abuse or neglect; and
- supporting adults to think and weigh up the risks and benefits of different options when exercising choice and control.
Real Safeguarding Stories
These videos are designed to help us all think about adult safeguarding issues. Throughout our lives we can become vulnerable and at risk. These videos explore issues such as drug abuse, online fraud, mental health, care for the elderly, and neglect. They are also designed to help us reflect on how people can be best supported, for example by addressing the needs of the carer, or by ‘making safeguarding personal’.
Visit their website at realsafeguardingstories.com
If an adult goes missing, particularly if they have a learning difficulty or a condition such as Alzheimer’s, you should always call the police in the first instance, even if you think you know where they are. Every minute that they are missing increases the chances of them being harmed and the police will always prioritise this.
If an adult is missing you can inform the police by calling 101 or 999 if it is an emergency and there is also a specialist national Missing People service to help you, telephone 0800 700 740 or visit their website at www.missingpeople.org.uk
Herbert Protocol
The Herbert Protocol is a form which is kept at home, or in a safe place, with important information about a vulnerable person. Should they go missing, information is easily on hand about routines, medical requirements and favourite places to visit and can be handed over to the police, alleviating the worry of collecting it together during a stressful time – download the form For further information is available from the West Yorkshire Police Website or see our Herbert Protocol resource.