Spelthorne Borough Council will be helping to raise awareness of the sixth Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week starting Monday 11 June by displaying posters highlighting the campaign in the foyer of the Knowle Green council offices. It is hoped the posters will make those visiting the offices think about people they know living in Spelthorne who may be in a vulnerable situation.
It’s a sad fact that frail and older people and those with mental, physical or learning disabilities are vulnerable to abuse. Abuse may be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act of neglect or omission to act or it may occur where a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent.
Surrey have recognised that the protection of vulnerable adults is not to be ignored and strong partnership working has led to a number of successful prosecutions involving care workers, relatives and members of the public, resulting in abusers being accountable for their behaviour.
Sally Marks, Surrey’s Executive Member for Adults and Community Care, said: ”The increased number of cases reported shows that people are now more confident about reporting adult abuse. I’m very proud of what Surrey does to safeguard vulnerable adults and of its hard-hitting ‘Everyday people say nothing’ campaign.”
Vivienne Leighton, Portfolio Holder for Adult and Older People’s Services, Spelthorne, said:
“Our staff are POVA trained (Protection of Vulnerable Adults) and through our day centres, meals on wheels and SPAN services are the eyes and ears helping to keep the frail and older people in our community safe.”
For further information or advice contact Surrey County Council on 08456 009 009 or visit www.surreycc.gov.uk/safeguardingadults
