Our Commitment to Safeguarding
Safeguarding means protecting adults with care and support needs from abuse, neglect and exploitation, while respecting their individual rights, wishes and independence.
At 188 Day Centre, we aim to create an environment where everyone feels safe, supported and able to raise concerns without fear.
We recognise our responsibility to safeguard adults at risk, regardless of their age, gender, ethnicity, disability or personal circumstances.
Our approach is guided by the Care Act 2014 and the six principles of adult safeguarding.
The Six Principles of Safeguarding:
These principles guide how adults at risk should be protected and supported.
-
Empowerment: Supporting individuals to make their own decisions and giving them control over their lives.
-
Prevention: Taking action to reduce the risk of abuse or neglect before harm occurs.
-
Proportionality: Responding to concerns in a way that is appropriate to the level of risk.
-
Protection: Providing support and representation for those who need it most.
-
Partnership: Working alongside families, carers, local authorities and other professionals to keep people safe.
-
Accountability: Ensuring safeguarding responsibilities and decisions are clear, transparent and properly managed.
Recognising Abuse and Neglect
Abuse can take many forms, and recognising the warning signs is an important part of keeping older adults safe.
Physical and Sexual Abuse
This includes physical harm, inappropriate restraint, misuse of medication or any sexual activity without consent.
Psychological and Emotional Abuse
This may involve intimidation, threats, humiliation, verbal abuse, controlling behaviour or enforced isolation.
Financial Abuse
This includes theft, fraud, financial exploitation or the misuse of someone's money, property or benefits.
Neglect and Self-Neglect
Neglect occurs when essential needs, such as food, hygiene, shelter or medical care, are not adequately met. Self-neglect refers to situations where an individual is unable or unwilling to meet their own basic care needs.
Our Safeguarding Aims
At 188 Day Centre, we recognise the importance of preventing abuse, responding appropriately to concerns and supporting individuals to live safely and independently.
Our safeguarding aims are to:
-
Prevent abuse and neglect wherever possible.
-
Protect adults from harm and reduce risks to their safety.
-
Respect individual choices, wishes and independence.
-
Respond to concerns sensitively and appropriately.
-
Work with families, carers and relevant professionals to promote wellbeing.
-
Raise awareness of safeguarding within our community.
-
Provide clear information about how to recognise and report concerns.
-
Support individuals to feel safe, respected and included.
How to Raise a Safeguarding Concern
If you are worried that an older adult may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation, it is important to raise your concerns.
If someone is in immediate danger
Call 999 to contact the police or emergency services.
If you suspect abuse or neglect
Contact the adult safeguarding team at the local authority responsible for the area where the person is located. They can provide advice, assess concerns and determine whether further action is required.
If you need guidance or support
You can also speak to a member of the 188 Day Centre team, who can help you understand how to report a concern to the appropriate authority.
Local authorities have responsibilities under the Care Act 2014 to consider safeguarding concerns and, where the legal criteria are met, make or arrange appropriate enquiries.
Depending on the circumstances, they may work with social care professionals, healthcare providers, the police or other relevant organisations.
Our Promise to You
At 188 Day Centre, safeguarding is an essential part of our commitment to delivering compassionate, person-centred support.
We strive to maintain a safe and inclusive environment for everyone using our services and recognise the importance of having clear safeguarding procedures in place.
We are committed to treating every individual with dignity, listening to concerns and working with the appropriate professionals to protect the wellbeing of adults at risk.