Safeguarding and protecting vulnerable adults Sadly, some adults suffer abuse and neglect, sometimes at the hands of relatives or people in trusted positions. The abuse can be physical, sexual, psychological, emotional or financial, or it can arise from neglect. Organisational abuse may occur within an institution or specific care setting such as a hospital or care home, or where care is provided in a person’s own home. It may range from a one-off incident to ongoing ill-treatment. If you are worried about contacting the police, you can contact Oxfordshire County Council’s Social and Health Care team to talk things through on 0345 050 7666.
Further information is also available on the Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board website at www.osab.co.uk If someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. Domestic abuse Oxfordshire Domestic Abuse services offer emotional and practical support to victims of domestic abuse. Call the helpline on 0800 731 0055 between 10.00am and 7.00pm, Monday to Friday; or visit www.reducingtherisk.org.uk/oxfordshire There is also a National Domestic Abuse Helpline which is open 24 hours – call 0808 200 0247.
Protecting children and young people If you are worried about a child or young person’s wellbeing or think they may be at risk of harm or being abused or neglected, you should let someone know. There are various organisations you can speak to but if you think a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. You can also get advice and help from the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via email on help@nspcc.org.uk
You can contact Oxfordshire County Council whether you are a concerned member of the public, a child or young person who is being harmed, or a parent or carer who feels at risk of harming a child. Oxfordshire County Council’s Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Tel: 0345 050 7666 Emergency Duty team (outside office hours) Tel: 0800 833 408
Support and care – where do I start? This guide is a good starting point to help you think about your options and provide you with information to help you remain independent and well. There is a wide range of local support services and activities across the county, and a broad network of voluntary, community and faith organisations. These can increase your social connections and help you to live well in your community. Search the online Live Well Oxfordshire directory at
www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/livewell or contact the Community Information Network (see page 10). Family, friends and neighbours can often be an invaluable source of help and support, as well as care homes and providers of care and support in your own home. Oxfordshire County Council’s Adult Social Care pages at www.oxfordshire.gov.uk also have further information and advice to support you.
To find more information about care and support services visit www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/livewell
15
