Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting people’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

Any form of abuse is unacceptable, no matter what justification or reason may be given for it, and it is very important that we are aware of this and know that help is available.

What is elder abuse?

It can be financial, emotional, physical or sexual, and it doesn’t always involve a stranger. For example someone you trust could be stealing money from your house as they clean or touching you in a way that makes you feel upset or uncomfortable. Download our factsheet for more information: Safeguarding older people from abuse

Getting support and advice

If you have been abused, you can get advice and support by calling Age UK West Sussex Brighton & Hove. Please be aware that if we think you’re at risk, we have a duty to report it. However, we will talk to you about how you want to handle it.

• Age UK West Sussex Brighton & Hove - 0800 019 1310 or email info@ageukwsbh.org.uk
  
  
• Age UK national helpline - 0800 678 1602

Reporting abuse

In an emergency always call 999. To report concerns of abuse or harm:

• In West Sussex please contact West Sussex County Council's Adult Social Care Support team on 01243 642 121 or by completing the online form linked here: https://www.westsussex.gov.uk/social-care-and-health/social-care-support/adults/raise-a-concern-about-an-adult/ you can also find out more information via this link.
  
  
• In Brighton & Hove if you have a safeguarding concern about a vulnerable adult please contact the safeguarding hub at Brighton and Hove City Council’s Health and Adult Social Care at hascsafeguardinghub@brighton-hove.gov.uk. Safeguarding concerns can also be reported online at https://new.brighton-hove.gov.uk/adultsafeguarding. For more information please visit: https://www.bhsab.org.uk/home/reporting-concerns/

If you have a feeling that someone is being abused, you should approach the topic sensitively and encourage them to talk to someone they trust about the situation. It is up to them if they want to report it. For further information you can go to Age UK's website: www.ageuk.org.uk/information-advice/health-wellbeing/relationships-family/protection-from-abuse/