What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting an individual’s right to live safely, free from abuse or neglect. Abbeyfield is committed to keeping our residents safe.
Who might be at risk of abuse?
Anyone over the age of 18 who is unable to protect themselves may be at risk of abuse or neglect. Children and young people under the age of 18 are also at risk.
Some adults are more at risk of neglect or abuse than others, particularly those who depend on others to care and support them.
Types of abuse
Abuse can take many forms. Recognised forms of abuse include:
- Financial
- Psychological
- Physical
- Domestic
- Neglect and acts of omission
- Sexual
- Organisational
- Discrimination
Abbeyfield will support our residents to live free from abuse or neglect.
Who might be an abuser?
The perpetrator of abuse is more likely to be known by the person being abused, than a stranger, such as a family member, neighbour or friend, or a professional involved in the individual’s life.
If you are concerned about potential abuse, please:
- Speak to, telephone or email the Manager or another trusted member of the staff team.
- Email safeguarding@abbeyfield.com or call 01727 857536 to ask to speak to our Safeguarding Lead.
- Contact the relevant local authority’s Safeguarding Team – their contact details are displayed on the noticeboard within each Abbeyfield service or may be found via an internet search.
We will listen and take what you say seriously and keep you informed about the next steps.
If you, or someone else is in immediate danger, contact the Police on 999 immediately.
Safeguarding and children on our premises
As children and young people are particularly vulnerable to abuse, we must all take steps to ensure any children visiting Abbeyfield properties are kept safe and free from harm.
Children may visit an Abbeyfield property for a number of reasons, including to visit a relative or friend living with Abbeyfield, to undertake a volunteering or work experience placement or as part of a school, community, or church group.
All children visiting an Abbeyfield property must be accompanied by a responsible adult who is responsible for personally supervising the child at all times. Groups of children visiting as part of a school, church or community group will be accompanied by a sufficient number of responsible adults to ensure their safety and welfare.
For more information about safeguarding, please read our Safeguarding Information guide for residents.
More information
You can access more information from the following external organisations:
Hourglass https://wearehourglass.org/