Making safeguarding your business

“Safeguarding is everybody’s business’’ – that’s the message coming from organisations across North Yorkshire as they get ready to support this year’s Safeguarding Week (25-29 June).

The Safeguarding Week campaign is being supported by the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Board (NYSCB), North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adult Board (NYSAB), the Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire and the North Yorkshire Community Safety Partnership, working with North Yorkshire Police and local partners.

Safeguarding means working together to stop abuse and prevent it happening in the future – everyone has a right to live a life that is free from abuse and neglect. One of the aims of the week is to emphasise that everyone has a role to play in spotting the signs of abuse and to encourage the public and professionals in all walks of life to be aware of the many forms abuse can take.

Detective Superintendent Allan Harder, Head of Safeguarding at North Yorkshire Police, said: “Keeping children and adults safe from harm remains a priority for North Yorkshire Police. There are many, many vulnerable people in our communities, people of all ages and different backgrounds.

“This week is important to help to raise awareness of the positive work being done by many agencies across the county in order to support those people who need us the most. It is also an opportune time to educate communities about issues such as domestic abuse, harassment and stalking, child neglect and child abuse, and point them in the direction of how and where to report concerns.

“We want everyone to be able to recognise the different behaviours of offenders and victims and to be confident to report abuse and seek the necessary help and support.”

During Safeguarding Week, there are a number of information events taking place across the county, including displays in shopping centres for anyone wanting to find out more. At Skipton Fire Station on Monday 25 June, there will be information on a range of safeguarding issues such as avoiding scams, staying safe online, cyber-bullying, and grooming – there is no need to book and anyone wanting to find out more is welcome to drop in between 10am and 1pm.

In Scarborough on Wednesday 27 June, information will be available from the police, county council and community partnerships on fraud and cyber fraud, grooming, and scams – look out for the information stand in the town centre. Full details of information and events can be found at www. northyorks.gov.uk/sgweek2018

Cllr Michael Harrison, North Yorkshire’s Executive Member for Adult Social Care and Health Integration, said “During Safeguarding Week, many partners get involved and work in the community to raise awareness of abuse – this might be through holding events to educate as many people as possible about the many different forms abuse can take, or by simply providing information. We want as many people as possible to get involved during Safeguarding Week – the more we can spread the word, the more we can tackle abuse and help to ensure that no-one has to suffer.”

More information about what to do if you suspect abuse can be found on the safeguarding board websites.

If you suspect an adult is being abused, go to http://northyorks.gov.uk/ article/24309/Safeguarding-vulnerableadults

If you suspect a child is being abused, visit http://www. safeguardingchildren.co.uk/worriedabout-child

Look out for the hashtag #nysw2018 during Safeguarding Week to find what’s going on in your area.