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paid staff/professionals;
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volunteers; and
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strangers.
Who can raise concerns of abuse or neglect? Anyone can witness or become aware of information suggesting abuse or neglect is occurring. If you are raising a concern, you may have become aware of possible abuse if you: •
witnessed an abusive act;
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have been told about abuse by someone else;
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have found evidence of abuse; or
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have recognised several of the risk indicators and become concerned there is a high risk of abuse.
Concerns may come to light as part of the following: •
a complaint;
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an expression of concern;
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a police call-out; or
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during an assessment.
If you are concerned about adult abuse, use the following contact details. In an emergency, always dial 999. Stoke-on-Trent Adult Social Care Contact Centre Tel: 0800 561 0015 (Monday to Thursday, 8.45am to 5.00pm; and Friday, 8.45am to 4.30pm. Out-of-hours, the Emergency Duty Team will answer if there is a crisis and a need for urgent help).
Staffordshire Staffordshire County Council Tel: 0345 604 2719 (Monday to Thursday, 8.30am to 5.00pm; and Friday, 8.30am to 4.30pm). Out-of-hours: 0345 604 2886 (emergencies only). Are you concerned about adult abuse? If you feel you are being abused, or suspect someone else may be being abused, it is important to tell someone. You don’t need to give your name, and you will be supported if you’re worried about what might happen if you report someone. What will happen if you report it? Trained staff will carry out a careful and sensitive enquiry. The information will be discussed with other agencies including the police. Information and advice will be offered to the person and their family as to what can be done next. The Staffordshire and Stoke-on-Trent Adult Safeguarding Partnership Board brings together people from various agencies concerned with the wellbeing and protection of adults with care and support needs. The board will work together to make sure that if you report abuse, the situation will get better and not worse. For more information, visit www.SSASPB.org.uk Refer to the useful contacts on page 51 for more organisations that can help you stay safe.
Stoke-on-Trent Safer Places scheme for vulnerable people Safer Places provides a safe temporary place to go if a vulnerable person feels distressed, worried or scared while out in the community. Places which have joined the scheme can be identified by a Safer Places sticker at the entrance. A full list of Safer Places is available at www.stokecommunitydirectory.co.uk and a useful map is available by visiting www.stoke.gov.uk and searching ‘safe place scheme for vulnerable people’.
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If you join the scheme, you will receive a Keep Safe card, which will include the names and contact numbers of two relatives or friends who can be called for help. The card will need to be shown to obtain help in the establishments that have signed up to the scheme. To apply for a Keep Safe card, email community.development@stoke.gov.uk
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