Safeguarding is everyone’s business. We all have a responsibility to look out for our families, friends, neighbours and people within our communities. If we think that a person might be at risk, it’s important that we know what to do, and who to tell.
In matters concerning children and young people, the Regional Safeguarding Children Board plays a big part in making sure that services do this well. POVA (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) is similarly concerned with the welfare of adults.
POVA awareness
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, on 15 June 2013, is an international event to raise public awareness amongst those who work with and care for vulnerable older adults. Conwy, in partnership with Denbighshire County Council, North Wales Police and Betsi Cadwaladr Health Board offered information and advice at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd main reception area and at stands / stalls with information and leaflets at all entrances to the main Council buildings.
The event highlighted the need for people to understand what elder abuse is and how it can be prevented, and that older people should be treated with dignity and respect. The stalls provided information on what to do if anyone was concerned about a vulnerable adult and what signs to look out for. The event raised awareness among professionals and the public that there is a process to help vulnerable adults and that concerns can be reported. The event contributed to Conwy’s prevention strategy with regards to protecting vulnerable adults from abuse.
Local Safeguarding Children Board
Background
Conwy & Denbighshire Local Safeguarding Children Board (LSCB) is a statutory Board, which means the functions of an LSCB are laid out in guidance from the Welsh Government. One of the functions of an LSCB is to raise awareness of the need to safeguarding children across the area in which it operates.
What’s changed?
The LSCB maintains web pages on the Conwy website, containing information about what to do if you’re worried a child might be being abused or neglected. The LSCB produced a poster which tells people who to contact if they are worried about a child. The poster is displayed across the two counties in supermarkets, doctor’s surgeries, libraries, etc.
The message is always the same: safeguarding children is everybody’s business.