Safeguarding Adults Week is a reminder to us all to be alert.
But it also offers practitioners and organisations an opportunity to learn more about issues which can affect many in the community.
Local West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Board (SAB) is highlighting training offered by Ann Craft Trust that aims to develop better safeguarding knowledge.
It says there are examples of possible harm that people may not consider when they think of safeguarding.
Lynne Mason, business manager for the board says:
“People usually think of children when they hear the word safeguarding.
“Or they think it’s about taking people into care.
“But safeguarding is important for all of us, so we will be raising awareness of some of the issues that affect adults in the community.”
Safeguarding Adults Week will highlight key areas of concern.
There are a number of areas that will be covered, including county lines, elder abuse, safeguarding in everyday life, safer cultures, self neglect, and technology enabled domestic abuse.
County lines refers to illegal drugs transported by adults and young people at risk.
Drug carriers may be coerced by gangs, but everyone is affected by increased levels of violence associated with the crime.
Elder abuse is single or repeated harm or distresses to an older person, within a relationship with expectation of trust.
It’s on the rise, with around one in six people aged over 60 experiencing some form of abuse in community settings.
Safer cultures are found where organisations are encouraged to listen, lead, and learn.
By hearing and addressing concerns, employing measures to minimise harm, and learning from past mistakes, organisations can help to create a safer environment.
Self-neglect covers neglect of personal health, hygiene or surroundings, and can include refusing medical help, whether by choice, or illness.
Tech-enabled abuse is where technology is abused to exploit and cause harm.
Abusers may maintain control with calls and messages, limit a victim’s contact with friends and family, or threaten to share intimate information online.
All these topics will be explored during the training week, with some free seminars available, including a self-harm and safeguarding adults seminar on Monday, November 21, and a session on how to create safer and stronger cultures on Friday, November, 25.
Safeguarding Adults Week takes place from Monday, 21 November to Sunday, November 27.
For information and to book, visit the Ann Craft Trust website at: www.anncrafttrust.org/safeguarding-adults-week-2022
