Safeguarding Adults with Mental Health Needs

This page supports health and social care professionals in recognising, preventing, and responding to safeguarding concerns involving adults with mental health needs.

Understanding Mental Health Needs

Mental health difficulties can affect thinking, emotions, and daily functioning. These needs vary widely and may increase vulnerability to abuse, neglect, or exploitation.

Why Adults with Mental Health Needs Are at Risk

• Social isolation, financial hardship, and stigma.
• Increased likelihood of substance misuse or homelessness.
• Research shows individuals with mental illness are 10 times more likely to experience abuse.

Common Types of Abuse

• Physical, psychological, sexual, financial.
• Coercion and control, domestic abuse, neglect.
• Exploitation through criminal activity, “mate crime,” or cuckooing.

Legal Framework

Safeguarding duties under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014 apply when:

• The adult has care and support needs.
• Is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect.
• Cannot protect themselves due to those needs.

Other relevant legislation includes the Mental Health Act, Mental Capacity Act, Equality Act, and Domestic Abuse Act.

Professional Responsibilities

• Recognise signs of abuse and neglect promptly.
• Engage the adult in decision-making wherever possible.
• Share information and work in partnership with agencies.
• Apply safer recruitment practices and ensure staff training.

Action Steps

Effective multi-agency collaboration and timely intervention can prevent harm and promote wellbeing.

1. Respond: Ensure immediate safety.
2. Report: Follow local safeguarding procedures.
3. Record: Document concerns accurately.
4. Monitor: Continue oversight to prevent recurrence.

The Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub provides timely, targeted support to help people across the diverse communities in Lewisham to manage their mental health. Our aim is to provide people with the tools, resources and links to local services to improve their wellbeing and resilience in the long term, through the support of our experienced and skilled staff team. The service is open to anyone over 18 who lives in the London Borough of Lewisham, has experienced challenges with their mental health and who wants to improve their wellbeing.

The service provides time-limited one to one practical sessions for residents in Lewisham to develop strong self-care practices, maintain their wellbeing and feel able to be a part of the local community.

Find out more aboout the Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub

Download the Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub Leaflet

Lewisham Psychological Support Services

Lewisham Council's website lists services and organisations that professionals and adults themselves can refrer to for psychological support.

Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark Samaritans

Samaritans is here for anyone struggling to cope – day or night, 365 days a year. We take action to prevent people reaching crisis point, helping people find ways to cope and learn the skills to be there for others. We campaign to make suicide prevention a priority.

We've been supporting our local community since 1969, working towards a world where fewer people die by suicide.

Find out more about the services offered by Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark Samaritans

South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust

Mental Health Crisis Line - Croydon, Lambeth, Lewisham and Southwark