The word ‘Safeguarding’ can seem like a scary word, with connotations of serious situations requiring input from the police and social services as highlighted in the media. But it is a catch all term to support individuals.
Safeguarding is based on the premise that everyone has a right to have their health, wellbeing and human rights protected to allow people – especially children, young people and vulnerable adults – to live free from abuse, harm and neglect.
Everyone has a responsibility for safeguarding those who are vulnerable.
- All Children under the age of 18 are considered to be vulnerable for Safeguarding purposes.
- A vulnerable adult is a person aged over 18 who is receiving care or support, due to a learning or physical disability, physical or mental illness or addiction to alcohol or drugs AND
- Are dependent on others for/require assistance with basic physical functions or
- Have a severe impairment in the ability to communicate, or
- Are unable to protect themselves from assault, abuse or neglect.
There are a variety of types of abuse and harm that are associated with Safeguarding. These can be done deliberately or be done accidently – unintentionally.
In the family/unpaid caring situation it is important to understand that harm/abuse can be done accidently. Being aware of this means that situations/actions can be adapted and support accessed to stop it from happening, to protect yourself, the cared for and others.
Unintentional abuse/harm can arise through a number of situations – these could include things like pressure building on the carer due to behaviours from the cared for or well-intended measures to keep someone ‘safe’, to take medication or to manage daily activities which although done with the right intentions do cause unintentional harm.
It can also happen both ways! Many family carers are ‘accepting’ of behaviours, are permissive or afraid to set and maintain boundaries as they feel it is ‘part and parcel’ of the cared for person’s condition or diagnosis.
You have the right to have you needs – physically and emotionally – protected to the same extent of the cared for.
Reporting concerns
If you feel that a vulnerable adult or yourself are at risk – you need to contact Suffolk County Council.
You can make a safeguarding referral online using the Suffolk Adult Care Portal. You’ll need to create an account, which is quick and easy.
If you feel the person is in immediate danger, please contact Customer First quickly and securely using live chat call 0800 917 1109.
If you are a victim of abuse You can call the Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline free on 0800 977 5690
If you or someone else is in immediate danger always call 999
Other useful information
Suffolk Family Carers
- Carers Rights and Carers safety self-access video
- A range of free workshops in person and online. Covering topics such as manual handling, caring and coping, caring and boundaries, and What’s next for me?
The Herbert Protocol – A national scheme that encourages carers, family and friends put together and to provide useful information, that can then be used in the event of a vulnerable person going missing.
Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership – Information about safeguarding in Suffolk.
Mobilise Online – Article about setting boundaries as a family carer.
Suffolk County Council – Information about assistive technology.
