Sefton Council and partner agencies across the Borough have pledged their collective support for National Safeguarding Adults Week 2020.

National Safeguarding Adults Week, which runs from Monday 16th to Friday 20th November, aims to shine a spotlight on adult abuse, and the role we can all play in helping to prevent it.

There are many different types of abuse including domestic, physical and financial abuse, modern slavery and exploitation, psychological and emotional abuse, mate crime, radicalisation, sexual abuse, ‘honour-based’ violence, discrimination and hate crime.

As part of National Safeguarding Adults Week, Sefton Council, NHS South Sefton CCG, NHS Southport and Formby CCG and Sefton CVS have produced a pledge setting out their commitment to challenging inequality, promoting inclusion and embracing diverse communities.

Sefton’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, Cllr Paul Cummins, said: “National Safeguarding Adults Week gives us an opportunity to highlight the brilliant partnership work undertaken in our communities to prevent vulnerable people being abused by others.

“Prevention of abuse is the most important work we can do to keep people safe and preserve quality of life.”

Mark Waterhouse, Principal Social Worker for Sefton Council, said: “As Principal Social Worker for Sefton Adult Social Care I will always use my professional power in a positive way within the council, and with other professionals, to uphold Social Work England’s standards.

“I will champion positive change and wellbeing on behalf of people, groups and communities. I believe in the dignity of all people and their right to respect and equality of opportunity.

“I value the strength that comes with difference and the positive contribution that diversity brings to our borough, and I will continue to help make Sefton a safer, welcoming, good place to live.”

Fiona Taylor, chief officer of Sefton’s two CCGs, said: “This annual awareness week provides an important opportunity for us all to reflect on the role we each have in supporting the safeguarding adults agenda in our communities.

“In the CCGs, we are proud to be signing up to a Sefton adult safeguarding pledge with our partners, demonstrating our commitment to improving the lives of all our residents and ensuring their safety and care is paramount.”

Nat Hendry-Torrance, Designated Safeguarding Adult Manager for the CCGs in Sefton said: “I am proud to have led the team of partners across Sefton who have come together as one to pledge their commitment to challenging inequality and discrimination.

“Now, more than ever, we need to speak out as one to protect the most vulnerable members of our society, be kind to one another and work together to make Sefton a safe place for all.”

Merseyside Safeguarding Adults Board was formed in 2017 and is made up of the four former safeguarding adults boards from Sefton, Knowsley, Liverpool and Wirral. The Board includes senior managers from local NHS, local authorities and Merseyside Police, alongside members from other emergency services, probation services and the voluntary sector.

Its primary responsibility is to ensure that adults in Merseyside, who may be at risk, are able to live fulfilling lives, free from abuse and neglect.

Anyone who thinks someone is being harmed or neglected, can visit www.merseysidesafeguardingadultsboard.co.uk for advice and contact details.

Anyone wishing to report a safeguarding concern about an adult in Sefton call 0345 140 0845 or visit here.

You can read more about the different types of abuse, and learn more about what safeguarding is, here.

More information about National Safeguarding Adults Week 2020 can be found here.