Help with safeguarding concerns

JRHT is committed to safeguarding our residents from abuse, harm and neglect. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. It is important to make staff and residents aware of what abuse might look like so they can find help for themselves or someone they know.

What is adult safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live safely, free from abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding recognises that adults over the age of 18 with care and support needs may not be able to speak for themselves and may be at a higher risk of abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding means people and services working together to stop abuse, reducing the risk of it happening in the first place and helping adults make choices about how to live safely by listening to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs.

What are care and support needs?

Adults may have care and support needs because they:

  • Are older
  • Have learning disabilities
  • Have conditions like dementia, Parkinson’s or Alzheimer’s
  • Are autistic
  • Have mental health conditions
  • Are deaf, blind or visually impaired Have drug or alcohol issues
  • Are recovering from severe illness or injury Look after a friend or relative (carers)

What is abuse?

Abuse is when someone, or a group of people, hurts you, treats you badly, forces you to do something, or does not give you the care you need to stay safe and healthy.

Abuse can happen once or many times and in many ways, but it is never ok.

What should I do if I’m concerned about someone?

If you are concerned that someone is experiencing or at risk of abuse, neglect or self-neglect, there are people who can help.

Family members, relatives, friends and neighbours all have an important part to play in keeping people safe. If you are concerned about someone, please don’t keep it to yourself. Report it as soon as possible. You don’t have to give your details, and you won’t be in trouble if you are wrong.

You can:

  • Speak to a member of JRHT staff
  • Contact us by calling 0800 587 0211
  • Speak to Adult Social Services at your Local Authority

Be reassured that when you raise a safeguarding concern, you will always be listened to. All concerns are taken seriously.

Please note: If a person is at immediate risk of harm of danger call the police straight away on 999.

What if your concern relates to a child?

If you suspect that a child or young person is being harmed, or is at risk of being significantly harmed because of abuse or neglect, you must report this immediately.

If you think a child is in immediate danger call the police on 999.

What happens after I’ve reported my concerns?

When a safeguarding concern is raised to JRHT it will be investigated by a manager. We may decide to escalate the concern to the local authority safeguarding team.

If the local authority takes the safeguarding referral, they are likely to want to speak with the person regarding the concern. They will then discuss and agree a plan for what action and support is required to keep the person safe. The individual’s views will be important in making these plans.

Due to the confidential nature of this work, you will not be given information about the outcome but you may be contacted for further information.

Remember: safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. If you have a concern: report it.

Useful contacts

City of York Adult Social Care Team on 01904 555111, Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00 pm, or out of hours telephone: 0300 131 2131. Email adult.socialsupport@york.gov.uk