Protecting vulnerable adults in the region

South Lanarkshire Council is offering support to vulnerable adults in the area.

It comes as thousands of protection referrals were dealt with across the region last year.

And now the South Lanarkshire Adult Support and Protection Committee aims to offer help to adults who are unable to protect themselves.

This includes adults who may be at risk of harm if they are over 16 years of age; those unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property and/or rights; people seen as a risk to themselves or others; and those affected by illness, mental disorder or disability.

The committee’s work was highlighted in recognition of the recent National Adult Protection Day (February 20).

Independent chair of the committee, Safaa Baxter, said: “I am pleased to mark National Adult Protection Day, which celebrates the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007.

“The Act has been fundamental in supporting and protecting some of the most vulnerable members of our communities.

“Last year we dealt with just under 3000 adult protection referrals in South Lanarkshire.

“These included referrals about a range of issues faced by vulnerable adults who are being physically, financially and psychologically harmed.

“We hope that a National Adult Protection Day will continue to highlight to our communities the issue of adults at risk and adult protection more widely.

“Unfortunately, there are adults within our communities who are unable to look after themselves, for example, because of illness or disability, and may be at risk of all types of harm including neglect, physical, sexual, and financial exploitation.

“All it takes is a phone call, even an anonymous call to allow further inquiries to be made.”

A video showing signs to look out for when worried about an adult who is at risk of harm is available on the council’s Youtube channel.