Who are adults at risk?
Adults at risk are people who need more help than others to stay safe. They are people who may need help to live an independent life.They could be people:
- With disabilities
- With mental health problems
- Who are ill for a long time
- Who are old
What is adult abuse?
Abuse is when someone's human and civil rights are violated by someone else.
There are many types of abuse; some examples are:
- Physical
- Emotional
- Neglect
- Sexual
- Discriminatory
- Institutional
- Financial
Different people may abuse adults at risk; some examples are:
- Friends and family
- Social and health care professionals and volunteers
- Residential care staff
- Other people in a position of trust
The signs of abuse
There are many possible signs of abuse. Some examples include when the person:
- Has health and social care needs that are not being met
- Looks dirty or is not dressed properly
- Has an injury that is difficult to explain
- Seems frightened around certain people
Even if you're not sure whether these signs mean abuse, if you are concerned about yourself or someone else you can talk to an experienced member of Blackpool Council's adult social care staff to share your anxieties.
Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse or neglect. We aim to make safeguarding personal, so we try to achieve the wishes and goals of the person at risk.
You can see a summary of our Pan Lancashire Multi Agency Safeguarding Policy and Procedures.
Blackpool Safeguarding Adults Board
Agencies across Blackpool work together to reduce the likelihood of harm to people at risk, and to respond appropriately to concerns about harm when they occur. You can read more about:
Safeguarding work is described within the Care Act.
What to do
You can report your concern, anonymously if you wish, please give as much information as possible so we can follow it up.
Adult Social Care
Monday - Thursday 9.00am to 5.00pm
Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm
Telephone: 01253 477800
Emergency out of hours telephone: 01253 477600
You can write to:
Adult Social Care
Blackpool Council
PO Box 4
Blackpool
FY1 1NA
Email: adult.socialcare@blackpool.gov.uk
If there is an immediate risk and you think a crime is being committed contact the Police : 999 (or 112 from a mobile phone).
Telephone: 101 if not urgent.