Welcome to the part of our website aimed at supporting everyone who works or volunteers with adults and their families.
Here we will provides information and signposting about the key safeguarding issues you may come across when working or volunteering with adults and their families.
Everyone has the right to live their lives free from abuse. It is recognised that certain groups of people may be more likely to experience abuse and less able to access services or support to keep themselves safe.
What to do if you are concerned about an adult
Anyone can witness, or become aware of, information that suggests abuse is occurring. It is important that we all understand what to do, and where to get help and advice. It is vital that we all remain vigilant on behalf of those unable to protect themselves. This will include:
If you are a practitioner and you become aware of adult abuse you should report your concern.
Real Safeguarding Stories
What to do if someone is missingÂ
Read more about how to prepare in our Herbert Protocol resource.
If an adult is missing you can inform the police and there is also a specialist national service Missing People to help you, telephone 0800 700 740 or visit their website at www.missingpeople.org.uk.
Find our more in our missing adults resource.
What to do if you receive an allegation about a professional
If someone raises concerns about a person working with a vulnerable adult you must take the allegation seriously and treat it in line with the agreed procedures of your organisation.
Who are ‘adults at risk of harm’?
Who may have care and support needs?
Why might a person be vulnerable?
Abuse of adults does not have to be deliberate, malicious or planned. It can happen when people are trying to do their best but do not know the right thing to do; or the person who causes harm does so because of frustration  in the caring context.
Irrespective of why the abuse might happen, any abuse is harmful which makes it vitally important to ensure that those involved with the care and well being of others have a clear sense of what signifies abuse and what must happen should abuse be suspected or discovered. For more information see our what is adult abuse? resource.
What is the definition of abuse?
There is additional legal protection for such people under the Mental Capacity Act 2005 – for further information see our mental capacity resource.
Where could abuse occur?
Early Help for adults
Early Help means intervening early and as soon as possible to stop problems emerging.
Lots of useful information for professionals working with adults can be found in the Help & Support Manchester Directory.
Use our quick Q+A to find commonly asked questions.
Can’t find what you are looking for?
View our resources page
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