National Safeguarding Adults Week 2020

North Tyneside and Northumberland are joining in a nationwide conversation to raise awareness on safeguarding adults next week as part of National Safeguarding Adults week.   

The national awareness week which takes place from Monday 16 November until Sunday 22 November aims to remind people of the vital role, they play in helping prevent abuse by spotting the signs, and the actions that should be taken if they are concerned about someone.   

Councillor Gary Bell, North Tyneside Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said: “Everyone has the right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Sadly, that isn’t always the case and some people are physically unable to protect themselves. My hope is that we can use this week to raise awareness of the issues, give people the courage to speak up and report their concerns, and encourage our residents to be vigilant and look for the signs of abuse and neglect in others so that nobody has to suffer in silence.”   

Safeguarding is already a widely discussed topic, but what does it really mean to people in our communities. As part of the week both authorities will come together to share resources and information around safeguarding and wellbeing, criminal exploitation, abuse and those safe places within our communities to help residents further understand what they need to look out for and how they can support someone who needs it.   

Councillor Veronica Jones, Northumberland County Council Cabinet Member with responsibility for Adult Wellbeing said: “It is important we keep having these conversations to raise awareness of vulnerable adults in our communities. You may have concerns already of a friend, family member, neighbour or someone you happen to see regularly through other means, and it is important that you know how you can help them or get them the support they may need.”  

National Safeguarding Week reminds us that by working together we can begin to help those where we live and work feel supported and feel that someone is always there, but also help residents to spot the signs where that help is needed that has not yet been recognised.   

Paula Mead, Chair of the Safeguarding Adults Board said: “Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity and respect and be able to enjoy a sustained quality of life and improved wellbeing.  

The Safeguarding Adults Board is committed to raising awareness of individual’s human rights, their capacity for independence, and ensure that they are protected from abuse, neglect, discrimination or poor treatment and that their carers too are kept safe.  

By working in partnership, we can achieve positive outcomes in the welfare and protection of all those at risk of harm from abuse and National Safeguarding Adults week shows how collaboratively we can help those in need.”  

Find out more about how you can report an adult safeguarding concern.