The support available to protect vulnerable children and adults across Calderdale, and the steps we can all take to report concerns, will be highlighted during Calderdale’s seventh annual Safeguarding Week (Monday 21 – Friday 25 June 2021).
A week-long programme of over 40 online events will be hosted by Calderdale Safeguarding Adults Board, Calderdale Safeguarding Children Partnership, Calderdale Community Safety Partnership, West Yorkshire Police, health organisations and voluntary groups.
There will be access to videos, live online chats and learning sessions, webinars, podcasts and links to research – all spreading the message that everyone has a responsibility to make sure the people around us are safe and cared for. We can do that by reporting safeguarding concerns to ensure the most vulnerable people get the support they need.
If you or someone you know is concerned about domestic abuse, child exploitation, human trafficking, fraud, scams or any other safeguarding issues, there is always someone available to help and a partnership of organisations working intensively to prevent these issues in Calderdale.
Cllr Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said:
“We have no more important job than ensuring the safety of those who are at risk of being abused or taken advantage of. That’s why, this Safeguarding Week in Calderdale, we’re reminding people that safeguarding is everyone’s business and we can all show kindness and care by reporting any concerns.
“Unfortunately, during the pandemic we have seen a growing number of scams and people feeling isolated, but work in Calderdale has continued as always to tackle safeguarding issues, and the support available has not stopped. Anyone struggling doesn’t need to suffer in silence.
“Please get involved in Safeguarding Week – just one virtual event or podcast could help you to support a vulnerable child or adult.”
For a full list of Safeguarding Week events and to book your place, please visit the Safeguarding Calderdale website: https://safeguarding.calderdale.gov.uk/safeguarding-week-2021
There are themes for each day of Safeguarding Week:
Monday 21 June: Safeguarding is everyone’s business
Tuesday 22 June: Mental health, substance misuse and stress of carers
Wednesday 23 June: Domestic abuse (with a focus on hidden abuse)
Thursday 24 June: Trauma informed practice
Friday 25 June: Online safety, exploitation, scams and radicalisation
The virtual launch event will take place on Monday 21 June from 10am to 11.30am. Key partners from the Safeguarding Children Partnership and Safeguarding Adults Board will give introductory messages, followed by virtual market stalls from 20 different organisations and services in Calderdale. These will include live presentations about the support available, promotion of services and opportunities to ask questions and to network.
A social media campaign throughout the week, run by a range of organisations in Calderdale, will share important messages to raise awareness of safeguarding issues and services that offer support. Keep an eye on Twitter, including @Calderdale, and Facebook, including Calderdale Council.
If you are concerned about a child, please call MAST on 01422 393336.
If you need guidance or advice regarding an adult at risk, you can call Gateway to Care on 01422 393000.
You can also call the out of hours Emergency Duty Team on 01422 288000. In an emergency where there is a threat to life or serious injury, call 999. If you are concerned that a crime has been committed, call 101.
Visit https://safeguarding.calderdale.gov.uk for more information on how to get support and to report any safeguarding concerns.