Responding to contemporary safeguarding challenges: Safeguarding Adults Week has begun
Organisations across the UK, including the Football Association (FA), are coming together to raise awareness for important safeguarding issues that adults continue to face.
Running from 21st – 27th November 2022, the theme of this year’s campaign is ‘Responding to Contemporary Safeguarding Challenges’.
First launched in 2018 by the National Safeguarding Adults Network, each day of the week focus’ on a different safeguarding topic, and this year some of the issues people should know more about include self-neglect and elder abuse.
This year the FA has set up a free, online safeguarding adults course which is designed to help people recognise the signs of adult abuse and neglect and informs people on how to report any concerns.
The latest figures from the Office of National Statistics display the police recorded 1,459,663 domestic abuse related crimes and incidents in England and Wales in 2021, which was a 6% increase from the previous year.
As well as the FA supporting the campaign, Gateshead Council are encouraging locals to reach out for help this week.
The local authority has recently reported that over 1,000 adults in the city have asked for safeguarding support between 1st January – 31st October 2022.
This week, the council have said various events will be taking place in Gateshead as well as a stand with information about safeguarding being at the civic centre from Monday-Friday.
Cllr Michael McNestry, Cabinet Member for Adults Social Care at Gateshead Council, said: ‘We are pleased to raise awareness of our safeguarding teams and the support on offer for adults across our communities this Safeguarding Adults Week.
‘More and more adults are in need of vital safeguarding support, as cases of domestic abuse and neglect are predicted to rise due to the cost-of-living crisis.
‘By participating in and hosting skills-sharing sessions with the safeguarding profession throughout the week, we can improve our service as well as share important knowledge and learnings regionally and nationally.
‘We would encourage anyone in Gateshead who has a safeguarding concern to visit us at the civic this week, or alternatively, visit our website to find out how we can support you or the person you know to access help and advice.’
Photo by Helena Lopes