United to fight adult abuse

Councillor Jean Hornby with Andrew Searle and Jane Timson from the Rochdale Borough Adult’s Safeguarding Board united to fight adult abuse

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Protecting vulnerable adults across the borough was the topic that united health and social care professionals and carers at a recent adult safeguarding awareness event.

Representatives from a range of organisations including care, housing and health providers, the voluntary sector, Link4Life, the NHS, Primary Care Trust (PCT) and Rochdale Borough Council’s Adult Care Service came together to recognise the impact abuse has on individuals and carers, and understand the local arrangements for safeguarding and reporting abuse.

Councillor Jean Hornby, Cabinet Member for Adult Care opened the event before local actors Sharon Drummond, Damien Kavanagh and Peter Fitton, from the Curtain Theatre performed short sketches showing how a lack of dignity can turn into safeguarding concerns if people are not given support and advice.

Councillor Hornby said: “Safeguarding adults is everybody’s business and it is important that we have partnership working between local organisations, communities and individuals for us all to work together to fight adult abuse.”

Attendees at the event watched a short film on dignity and respect, ‘Little things make a big difference’ and took part in workshops. People were encouraged to become a Dignity or Safeguarding Champion to promote awareness in their own organisations and across the borough of Rochdale.

Many of the organisations that attended the event also agreed to be part of a safeguarding partnership forum to further raise awareness and help to protect adults at risk of abuse.

Andrew Searle, Chair of the Rochdale Borough Adult’s Safeguarding Board (RBASB) said: “It is the RBSAB’s vision for the borough to be a community where adults at risk feel safe and are free from harm and neglect, where everyone understands what harm and vulnerability means and everyone is clear about their personal responsibilities in recognising risk, helping to prevent harm and knowing how to protect themselves and others.”

For more information about safeguarding or if you’re concerned about an adult you know, share your concerns by calling Rochdale Borough Council’s Adult Care on 0844 264 0867 or speak to your doctor, housing officer, nurse or health visitor.