Supporting people to make safer choices – keeping adults safe in Shropshire

On Thursday 5 November 2015, Shropshire Adult Safeguarding Board held their first consultation event at Shrewsbury Town FC’s stadium.

Around 50 people gathered to discuss the changes in adult safeguarding following the introduction of the Care Act. They also gave their feedback on the strategic plan, and had their say on how the board can communicate with the public.

Those invited were adults, carers and their advocates, residential and nursing home providers, domiciliary care agencies, West Mercia Police, Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, to name a few.

Information was given about how the Care Act has changed adult safeguarding, and how and when to raise a concern.

Ivan Powell, Independent Chair of the Board, said:

“The Care Act places adults who need safeguarding at the centre of the process, and requires professionals to work with the adult to identify how to resolve the circumstances which put them at risk. Everyone has a role to play, be it individuals themselves, their families and carers, or agency professionals. Also, equally and importantly, those who live in our communities can help firstly by being neighbourly, and then contacting agencies where they are worried about someone’s safety.”

Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for adult services, closing the event, added:

“The feedback and discussion that took place round the table was very encouraging.　 People working in the system welcome the new approach to adult safeguarding, feeling that it held with their values and practice as part of the difficult but valuable work that they do. Work will take place following the feedback to influence amendments to the board’s priorities documentation and future communications.”

People said that the profile of adult safeguarding needs to be raised, and that safeguarding is everyone’s business. Ideas and suggestions were put forward for a new name for the board and logo. The new name that came out from the consultation is the Keeping Adults Safe in Shropshire Board.

The board is already planning an event for 2016 as a result of its success.

If you are worried that an adult with care and support is experiencing abuse that they can stop with your help, please ring Shropshire Council on 0345 678 9021, or for more information go to http://new.shropshire.gov.uk/adult-social-care/where-can-i-get-help/concerned-about-someone/.