Can you help to keep vulnerable adults safer?
A powerful new film highlighting the abuse suffered by adults at risk has been launched to coincide with Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week in Devon and Torbay.
Last year there were over 2,700 safeguarding adult abuse concerns reported to Devon and Torbay Local Safeguarding Adults teams and the latest campaign, starting on Monday 2 March, aims to raise public awareness about this important issue.
Central to the awareness week is the launch of a new film, “If you see something, say something”, which has been commissioned by Devon and Torbay Safeguarding Adults Boards.
It is an adaptation of a film originally commissioned by Cornwall Council and has been produced by film maker and former Royal Marine, Mark Hewitt.
The week long awareness campaign will also highlight the issue of adult abuse through posters, leaflets and social media.
Members of the public and local organisations are being encouraged to download the promotional material, put them up in public areas and to follow social media feeds.
The Chairman of Devon and Torbay Safeguarding Adults Boards, Bob Spencer, said:
"This awareness week is about promoting the safer life choices we can all make in our personal and professional lives to prevent vulnerable adults from being harmed or neglected.
"It’s the responsibility of all of us to do what we can to keep ourselves and those we come in contact with safe and not to ignore our concerns.
"Everyone has a role to play and everyone has the right to feel safe.
"I hope that this Safer Awareness Week moves us a step closer towards this goal."
Anyone who is concerned that a vulnerable adult may be at risk of abuse can speak in confidence to one of the Safeguarding Adults Teams.
For Torbay call 01803 219700 or email safeguarding.alertstct@nhs.net,
For Devon contact Care Direct on 0845 155 1007 (Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 8:00pm and Saturdays, 9:00am to 1:00pm) or email csc.caredirect@devon.gov.uk
Anyone who suspects that a vulnerable adult is in immediate danger or if there is an emergency situation, call 999.
Watch the new film “If you see something, say something” here.
You can follow the awareness week campaign digitally at @TorbayHospital and @TSDHC during Safeguarding Adult Awareness Week. You can also share messages on the following Facebook accounts:
South Devon Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust
Torbay and Southern Devon Health and Care NHS Trust
