Initiative aims to help protect vulnerable adults

A NEW adult safeguarding initiative has been launched by the Western Trust in an effort to reach and support a greater number of vulnerable adults who are experiencing, or at risk of, harm.

While there are many vulnerable adults living in our society who are surrounded by loving family members and carers who do their best to help them live a happy life, some are living in damaging and abusive relationships with those who are supposed to care for them.

Called ‘See Something Say Something’, the new initiative aims to reach those in the latter group and provide them with protection.

At Thursday’s monthly meeting of the Western Health Trust Board, chief executive Neil Guckian opened the discussion of the initiative by clarifying the rationale behind it, stating that during the pandemic, referrals to the safeguarding team were significantly reduced.

“The safeguarding team is worried that this may be because of reduced contact with adults who are vulnerable,” said Mr Guckian.

“Now that people will be having increased contact as restrictions relax, we want to increase awareness so that more cases are picked up by staff and the public.”

The Western Trust chief then reminded those in attendance that abuse can take many forms, some obvious and easily identifiable, some more subtle, thus harder recognised.

He said, “Abuse can be neglect of a person’s basic or health needs. Abuse can be physical, including hitting or injuring. Abuse can be financial, through scams and exploitation. Abuse can be psychological and can include, for example, name calling and bullying.

“Abuse can be sexual, for example, sexual contact without consent or when somebody can’t give consent and, increasingly, through social media. And abuse can also happen because of what is happening in the care setting they are in.”

‘See Something Say Something’ aims to increase public awareness of this grim reality, and also provide with people ability to recognise and report different types of abuse.

Mr Guckian added, “Anyone can contact the Western Trust Adult Safeguarding Team between 9am and 5pm, Monday to Friday on 028 71611366 and ask to speak with the Person on Duty.

“At any other time we would advise members of the public to phone the Regional Emergency Social Work Service (RESWS) number on 02895 049999.”