Tackling mental health, raising awareness of domestic abuse and providing awareness on doorstep crime and scammers targeting the vulnerable are all topics covered as part of West Yorkshire’s Safeguarding Week.
Starting on Monday 9 October, all the local safeguarding boards and community safety partnerships across the region have joined forces with West Yorkshire’s Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Mark Burns-Williamson and West Yorkshire Police (WYP) to hold workshops and events aimed at informing the public and professionals about how to protect the most vulnerable across the region.
Facebook Live broadcasts will be held throughout the week, starting with Mr Burns-Williamson and Superintendent Darren Minton, from WYP’s Safeguarding Unit, on Monday (9 October) highlighting the work being done to keep people safe.
Mr Burns-Williamson said:
“Safeguarding is ‘everyone’s business’ and is central to the work of police and partners so it is only right we come together this week to highlight how we can help safeguard the vulnerable adults and children in the region.
“Safeguarding people was considered the greatest priority by people responding to my “Your Priorities, Your Plan” consultation with 70% of people saying it was important to them.
“I would urge people to get involved and contact their local authority to see what is on offer in their area for them to get support, learn about protecting themselves and others, and above all know the services are there for them when they need them.”
Calderdale are holding a ‘marketplace’ launch event at the MBi Shay Stadium with keynote speakers and where organisations can network and share good practice.
Held annually, the week aims to ensure safeguarding is ‘everybody’s business’ educating the public and professionals on safeguarding topics including domestic abuse, mental health, cyber crime, forced marriage, child neglect and honour based abuse, and includes messages throughout the week on social media on how to stay safe.
Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson, said: “Safeguarding is at the heart of everything West Yorkshire Police does.
“We have specialist safeguarding units in each of our five policing districts and despite cuts to our overall policing budget, this is an area we continue to invest in in order to increase our resources.
“Safeguarding is not something that one agency can do alone, and we work closely with local authorities, other organisations and charities to support victims and educate communities.
“This initiative will help increase awareness around safeguarding and I would urge members of the public to contact their local authority to find out what support is available to them, how they can protect themselves and others, and how they can get involved in this year’s Safeguarding Week.”
Councillor Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“We’re all responsible for looking out for vulnerable adults and children in our communities. The Council is happy to be involved in Safeguarding Week to raise awareness of how everyone can help protect people and what to do if they have any concerns.”