During Safeguarding Week, people are being asked to find out how to spot the signs of abuse and neglect and how to report a concern by visiting the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together website, which also features a range of resources to help individuals and organisations spread the safeguarding message.
The campaign also raises awareness of support that is available in Wolverhampton for individuals and families in need – including from schools, the City of Wolverhampton Council, community or faith groups, charities and health services – and urges people to seek help when they need it.
This year's campaign will focus on seven different themes, with a day dedicated to each on Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together’s social media channels, Facebook and Twitter. They include What is Safeguarding? (Monday), Mental Health (Tuesday), Exploitation (Wednesday), Early Help and Prevention (Thursday), Online safety (Friday), Domestic abuse (Saturday) and Getting help (Sunday).
Meanwhile, a range of activities are taking place throughout the week. Representatives from the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together Partnership will be in the Mander Centre, outside Wilko, on Monday and Friday to provide information to shoppers, and there will be a range of learning sessions for members of the public and practitioners working in Wolverhampton.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Adults and Wellbeing, said: "This Wolverhampton Safeguarding Week we will once again be making it very clear that everyone has the right to feel safe – and that we all have a role to play in safeguarding.
"We want everyone in Wolverhampton to know how to spot the signs of abuse or neglect in people who need care or support, whether because of a disability, dementia, mental ill health or substance misuse and, just as importantly, how they can go about reporting any concerns they may have so that agencies can provide the right support at the right time.
"Please make time to check out the resources available at Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together or meet members of the Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together team at the Mander Centre to find out more."
Richard Fisher, Chair of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together Executive group, added: “Wolverhampton Safeguarding Week is an opportunity for us to highlight the vitally important role we all have to play in helping keep vulnerable people safe.
“The message is clear; if you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of any adult, or any child, you must share your concerns so that the person at risk is able to live their life free from abuse or neglect.”
For more information about the work of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together, and details of support services, please visit Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together.
