Understanding safeguarding

Safeguarding is the word we use when we talk about protecting vulnerable adults and children from abuse, harm and neglect.

Examples of someone to share your concerns with could be a friend, teacher, family member, social worker, doctor, healthcare professional, police officer or someone else that you trust. Ask them to help you report it.

Deciding what’s the right thing to do can be stressful, particularly if the person you are concerned about is reluctant to accept support. If you are not sure what to do you can always seek advice.

For further information on who to contact locally in your area, please visit the NHS England Safeguarding app.

See Something, Say Something

The See Something, Say Something animations aims to raise awareness of the signs of abuse and neglect for people with care and support needs. You can find it below:

This video was not produced by Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust and may contain adverts.

When you know someone well and see changes in their behaviour, appearance, or they avoid or stop contact, then consider why this might be? Sometimes, adults with care and support needs may not be able to seek support, so the role of friends, family, carers and neighbours is very important in helping them to seek the help they require.

If the person you have concerns about lives in Leicester City

Concerned about a child?

If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child in Leicester City, please contact using the details below:

• Telephone: 0116 454 1004 (24 hour service) or contact the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency
• Visit: Customer Service Centre, 91 Granby Street, LE1 6FB. Find out how to book an appointment.

Concerned about an adult?

If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, please contact using the details below:

• Telephone: 0116 454 1004 (operational 24 hours a day, 7 days a week)
• Visit: Customer Service Centre, 91 Granby Street, LE1 6FB. Find out how to book an appointment.
• If you live in Leicester city visit the Safeguarding Adults Boards’ website for more information

If the person you have concerns about lives in Leicestershire or Rutland

Concerned about a child?

If you are concerned about the safety and welfare of a child in Leicestershire or Rutland, click the below link:

Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Partnerships Business Office – Concerned about a child? (lrsb.org.uk)

Concerned about an adult?

If you are worried about a vulnerable adult, click the below link:

Leicestershire and Rutland Safeguarding Partnerships Business Office – Concerned about an adult? (lrsb.org.uk)

If you are worried that someone is in immediate risk of danger, contact the police on 999.

If the person is not in immediate danger, contact the police on 101.

Further information on safeguarding

• What is Safeguarding?: This is an easy read document about safeguarding
• Safeguarding Young People on the Autism Spectrum: This is a detailed document about safeguarding young autistic people
• Safeguarding Practice with Autistic People This is a detailed document about safeguarding autistic adults

Glossary

Abuse

Is when someone does or says something to you that makes you hurt, upset or frightened.

There are many types of abuse including physical, emotional and verbal.

Harm

Can cause a person, animal or object to be hurt, broken, damaged or injured. Harm can be physical or emotional.

Neglect

Is when someone who is responsible for your care fails to meet your basic needs. You can also neglect yourself in the same way.

This may be by not providing:

• Food and drink
• Warmth
• Hygiene
• Health care

Click here for more information about self neglect.

Vulnerable

Is a person or animal who is unable to take care of themselves. This could be a person in need of special care, support, or protection because of age, disability, or risk of abuse or neglect.