Safeguarding Adults

We take any suspicion or evidence of abuse very seriously. We won’t ignore or allow abuse to continue, no matter who is involved. Our staff are required to take action whenever they suspect that a vulnerable person might be at risk.

We also fully support anyone who raises concerns (whistle-blowers) about abuse and have a dedicated Whistleblowing Policy in place. This policy is based on guidance from the Department of Health’s ‘No Secrets’ (2000) and the Care Act 2014, which sets out six important principles for safeguarding adults:

• Empowerment: Supporting people to make their own decisions with informed consent.
• Prevention: Taking action early to stop harm before it happens.
• Proportionality: Responding appropriately and with the least intrusion necessary.
• Protection: Offering support to those who need it most.
• Partnership: Working together with communities and local services to prevent and address abuse.
• Accountability: Being open and responsible in safeguarding efforts.

Housing providers like us also have a legal duty to work with local authorities on safeguarding. This can include investigations, sharing information, and taking part in Safeguarding Adults Boards. We make sure our staff understand these principles, receive training to spot abuse, and know how to respond.

Safeguarding Adults

This policy aims to protect adults aged 18 and over who are vulnerable due to mental health, disabilities, age, illness, or other factors that affect their ability to care for or protect themselves. This includes people with:

• Learning disabilities
• Mental health challenges
• Physical disabilities
• Sensory impairments
• Older adults
• Those who depend on others for care or support

It also covers people who may be vulnerable because they care for someone else, especially if they face additional challenges like domestic violence, illness, or substance misuse.

What is Abuse?

Abuse is any action that violates a person’s human or civil rights and causes harm or exploitation. It can be a one-time event or ongoing, and may include:

• Physical, verbal, psychological, or emotional harm
• Neglect or failure to act
• Coercion into unwanted financial or sexual transactions
• Intentional or unintentional harm
• Types of Abuse
• Psychological
• Physical
• Sexual
• Financial or material
• Neglect and acts of omission
• Discriminatory

Institutional Abuse

This happens when poor care or bad practices affect individuals or groups, often prioritising the smooth running of a service over people’s needs and wishes.

Multiple Forms of Abuse

Sometimes more than one type of abuse occurs together, either in personal relationships or within service settings. It’s important to look beyond isolated incidents and understand the full pattern of harm.

Dedicated Support

We know many people using our services face challenges that make living independently difficult.

Each person is assigned a dedicated support worker who meets with them regularly to create a personalised support plan. This plan focuses on positive goals and is reviewed often.

You don’t have to live in our accommodation to benefit from this support.