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.
Meanwhile, a range of activities are taking place throughout the week. Representatives from Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together and the City of Wolverhampton Council's Public Protection Team will be on hand at Bilston Indoor Market on Monday from 10am to 2pm to provide information to shoppers, while Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together will be sharing advice with shoppers at Asda in Wolverhampton on Friday (15 July) from 11am to 2pm.
Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together will be joined by a range of providers, including The Haven, the City of Wolverhampton College and Healthwatch Wolverhampton, for a drop-in session on the ground floor of the Mander Centre, opposite Wilko, on Tuesday (12 July) from 10am to 2pm. Meanwhile, Thursday (14 July) is a national remembrance day for those lost to so-called 'honour based' violence.
The theme of this year's campaign is Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together partnership's priorities for the next 12 months – early help and prevention, exploitation, and mental health, as well as a focus on violence against women and girls, neglect, financial abuse and learning from people who are 'experts by experience'.
Anyone with personal experience of any of these themes is invited to get in touch to share their experiences and work with others to help improve the way organisations can support and keep people living in similar situations safe from abuse and neglect. To find out more, please email wst@wolverhampton.gov.uk.
People across Wolverhampton are also invited to record a short video (via WhatsApp, 07981 931849) to show how they play their part in helping to safeguarding vulnerable people in Wolverhampton, whether they are a neighbour to someone who is vulnerable, a volunteer in a faith group or community group, they work with children, young people or adults, or in any other way - more details are in available in the Downloads section.
Throughout the week, Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together will be using its social media channels – Twitter and Facebook - to highlight some of these key themes, and signpost to the help and support that is available to people in the city.
Councillor Jasbir Jaspal, the City of Wolverhampton Council's Cabinet Member for Public Health and Wellbeing, said: "This Wolverhampton Safeguarding Week we are making it very clear that safeguarding is everybody's business – and we all have a role to play in keeping ourselves and others safe.
"Please make time to check out the resources available at Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together or come along to one of the drop-in sessions taking place at Bilston Market, Asda or the Mander Centre to find out more."
Councillor Linda Leach, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: "We want everyone in Wolverhampton to know how to spot the signs of abuse or neglect in adults 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."
Sally Roberts, Chair of Wolverhampton Safeguarding Together Executive group, added: “Safeguarding is everyone's business, and this 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.
