Safeguarding Adults

Every adult has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and live a life free of fear.

We call this process safeguarding adults.

Every adult has a right to make their own decisions and take risks, however, some adults are at greater risk of being abused because they rely on another person to manage day to day living.

We use the term "adult at risk" to describe people that need this support. Not all adults who need care and support are considered at risk, we assess each person according to their own abilities. Many adults with care and support needs manage their lives very well.

If you suspect that you or an adult you care about may be at risk of abuse or neglect please complete the Adult Safeguarding Concern form and return to the Lewisham Adult Gateway as instructed in the form. Alternatively if you have concerns about the immediate safety of an adult at risk then please contact the Police on 999.

Social Care and Health have produced a video on Safeguarding Adults in British Sign Language.

 

 

Forms and Signs of Abuse

People with care and support needs, such as older people or people living with a disability, are more likely to be abused or neglected. They may be seen as an easy target and may be less likely to identify abuse themselves or to report it. People with communication difficulties can be particularly at risk because they may not be able to alert others. Sometimes people may not even be aware that they are being abused, and this is especially likely if they have a cognitive impairment. Abusers may try to prevent access to the person they abuse.

Whilst these particular adults are the specific focus of ‘Safeguarding Adults’ policy and procedures, this does not negate the public duty of those carrying out this work to protect the human rights of all citizens, including those who are the subject of concern but are not covered by these procedures, or those who are not the subject of the initial concern.

Such work is the responsibility of all agencies and cannot exist in isolation. It must be effectively linked to other initiatives, as part of a network of measures aimed at enabling all citizens to live lives that are free from violence, harassment, humiliation and degradation.

Signs of abuse

Signs of abuse can often be difficult to detect. The information below aims to help people who come into contact with people with care and support needs to identify abuse and recognise possible indicators. Many types of abuse are also criminal offences and should be treated as such.

Evidence of any one indicator from the following lists should not be taken on its own as proof that abuse is occurring. However, it should alert carers and professionals to make further assessments and to consider other associated factors. The lists of possible indicators and examples of behaviour are not exhaustive, and people may be subject to a number of abuse types at the same time.

Types of abuse

Physical Abuse +

Domestic Violence or Abuse +

Sexual Abuse and Exploitation +

Psychological or Emotional Abuse +

Financial or Material Abuse +

Modern Slavery +

Discriminatory Abuse +

Organisation or Institutional Abuse +

Neglect and Acts of Omission +

Self-Neglect +

Who is an adult at risk?

Under The Care Act, an adult at risk is someone over 18 years old who: has care and support needs. is experiencing, or is at risk of, abuse or neglect. as a result of their care and support needs is unable to protect himself or herself against the abuse or neglect or the risk of it.

New! LSAB Human Stories: Learning Through Lived Experience

If you would like examples of adults at risk this collection of fictionalised stories is inspired by real experiences of people in Lewisham who have faced abuse, neglect, and isolation.

Each story highlights the importance of trauma-informed practice, safeguarding, and supporting unpaid carers, while addressing issues such as financial and domestic abuse.

These narratives are designed to raise awareness, encourage professional curiosity, and promote collaborative action to keep adults and families safe.

Use the LSAB Human Stories in training and briefings to strengthen understanding and improve practice across our community.

Perpetrators of Abuse

The person alleged to have caused harm

Abuse can occur anywhere and be caused by anyone. Adults at risk are sometimes abused by strangers, but more often, they are abused by someone known to them or in a position of trust or power. This may include:

• A partner, relative, friend or child.
• A neighbour or someone from the community network.
• A paid carer or volunteer.
• A health, social care worker or other professional.
• Another adult at risk.
• A non-carer or stranger.

Abuse can occur in any relationship. It often occurs where the person who is abusive is in a more powerful position than the person who is being abused. The person causing the harm may also be suffering with mental ill-health or substance misuse problems. 

Abuse occurs when the abuser misuses such power either intentionally, or unintentionally, or for their own benefit or gain. We know from safeguarding data that Neglect and Acts of Omission is the most common type of reported abuse to local authorities in England and Lewisham. Much of this is unintentional, although still harmful, and can be caused by unpaid carer burn out, lack of support or assessment of unpaid carers, staffing problems and shortages in the care sector, or because poor practices have developed unchallenged. Cost of living also has an impact with adults experiencing financial or material (this can be items such as food being stolen) abuse from unpaid and paid carers, because of the pressures faced by many individuals and families.    

The person who is abusive may have more power because they are more able than the person they are abusing.

They may also have more power because the adult at risk may be dependent on them in some way.

In some instances the abuser themselves may also be an adult at risk, for example another service user, or an adult with learning disabilities caring for a frail older parent. Resident on resident abuse in care homes, or patient on patient incidents are reported through safeguarding which can include very serious physical, psychological and sexual abuse cases. 

There can often be a power imbalance between a member of staff, paid carer or a volunteer and an adult at risk.

It must be noted that some abusers deliberately seek out adults who appear to be at risk and exploit an existing vulnerability with the intention of abusing, harming, exploiting or manipulating that person. We know from evidence and research that criminal gangs, often sophisticated fraudsters, target individuals in this way linked to financial SCAMS which are increasingly being perpetrated online, although doorstep crimes are still prevalent. 

Find out how you can report your concerns about an adult at risk or a perpetrator who may have care and support needs. 

How to report your concerns

If you suspect that you or an adult you care about may be at risk of abuse or neglect please complete the Adult Safeguarding Concern form and return to the Lewisham Adult Gateway as instructed in the form. Alternatively if you have concerns about the immediate safety of an adult at risk then please contact the Police on 999. 

If you are a member of the public we recommend you make contact with the Lewisham Adult Gateway via telephone.

There are a number of other ways you can contact the Lewisham Adult Gateway

The team can be contacted Monday - Friday 9am - 5pm

Tel: 020 8314 7777 (select option 1) Tel: 020 8314 6000 (outside of office hours)

Email Lewisham Adult Gateway

Contact details for the deaf / impaired hearing community

Deaf / hard of hearing individuals can contact Gateway via

Text message – 07702 646 517

Or via email Email Lewisham Adult Gateway

More information on the Lewisham Adult Gateway 

If you believe that a criminal offence may have been committed and you would prefer to report your concerns anonymously please report them to Crimestoppers UK

If you would like the Adult Safeguarding Concern form in another format please see the Adult Safeguarding Pathway Resources page.

What happens after you report your concerns

Once a report of suspected adult abuse or neglect is made, the organisation you reported your concerns to will take steps to ensure the immediate safety of the person and anyone else who may be affected. You can be assured that all reports of suspected abuse or neglect are taken seriously and are confidential.

Collecting information

When a report of suspected adult abuse is received further information will be gathered. If the adult at risk is unable to speak for themselves they can choose someone to act on their behalf such as a friend or family member. If this isn’t possible Adult Social Care can arrange for an independent person to do this, they are known as an Advocate.

They will talk to the person, or a suitable representative on their behalf, to find out what is happening and then work together to plan what can be done to help keep them safe and as independent as possible.

People involved

Where necessary Adult Social Care will investigate allegations of abuse with partner organisations and take appropriate action.

Meetings

Sometimes a meeting is needed. The individual, or the person who acts on their behalf, may be invited to a meeting called a safeguarding planning meeting. During this meeting concerns will be discussed and the Chairperson will ensure that everybody has their say.

The Chairperson will ensure that everything that was agreed to be done is being done, and decide if any further action is needed. A safeguarding plan may be agreed to continue to keep the person safe.

Sometimes they will need to arrange further meetings to review the safeguarding plan and make changes if necessary to ensure the person continues to remain safe.

What if you don’t want anything to happen?

If the abuse is happening to you, you have a right to say what you want to be done about it. You will always be asked what you want and who you want to be involved.

Sometimes there are other people who may also be in danger and the abuse is too serious for people to do nothing. Professionals have a duty of care to you and other people and may have to act against your wishes. If this has to happen you will always be told why.

What if you’re not happy?

If you’re not happy about the safeguarding adults process Lewisham Adult Social Care would like to know why. You can speak to the Chairperson who was involved in your meetings, or you can contact the Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Manager.

Positive Outcomes

This video Safeguarding Adults- An Independent Life After Abuse produced by the Social Care Institute for Excellence shows the positive outcomes the safeguarding process can have on a person who has been abused.

Six Safeguarding Principles

There are six safeguarding principles that underpin all safeguarding work:

Mental Capacity, DoLS and Advocacy

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 is there to empower people to make decisions and to support them when their capacity for making decisions is impaired. It means that you have to look at what the individual needs, and it is specific to a decision at a specific time. It’s not a blanket judgement over their mental capacity.

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 came into force during 2007. The law is designed to protect and restore power to those vulnerable people who lack capacity. The law also supports those, over the age of 18, who have capacity and choose to plan for their future. It applies to everyone working in health and social care who is involved in the care, treatment and support of people aged 16+.

At the heart of the law in terms of concepts and values are five ‘statutory principles’

1. Presume capacity

2. People may need support

3. People can take unwise decisions

4. Best interest decisions should be made on behalf of the person

5. When you make that decision it should be the less restrictive option

Consider these five principles as the benchmark. They should be used to underpin all acts done and decisions taken in relation to those who lack capacity.

Mental Capacity Act Overview and the National Mental Health Capacity Forum

The film below from Social Care Institute for Excellence explains the Mental Capacity Act and how it can protect the right to make choices. It's an introduction to the Act for people who need it, staff, carers and others.

Using the Mental Capacity Act

This video from Social Care Institute for Excellence explains the Mental Capacity Act 2005 and how it can protect the right to make choices. For people who need the MCA, their carers, and others. The film includes people who lack capacity, discussing it.

Mental Capacity Law and Policy - The Key Points

This video from Alex Ruck Keene of 39 Essex Chambers. Alex has been recognised for several years as one of the leading experts in the Mental Capacity Act 2005. In this video Alex explains the Mental Capacity Act 2005, what it is, how it is applied and links to relevant case law.

The Mental Capacity Toolkit

The Mental Capacity Toolkit produced by the Bournemouth University is to help support health and social care professionals working with individuals whose decision-making capacity is limited, fluctuating, absent or compromised. Demographic changes mean there are increasing numbers of people living with conditions which may impact on their decision-making capacity, and as such it is vital that professionals are confident in their understanding use of the Mental Capacity Act 2005. This tool brings together information from a range of professionals working in the field of mental capacity to provide a comprehensive guide to practice.

Best Interests Checklist

Where a person lacks mental capacity to consent to care and treatment (including restraint and Deprivation of liberty), and there are no other legal provisions for decisions to be made on their behalf, decisions regarding care and treatment must be made under Best Interests principles. 

The Mental Capacity Act 2005 contains what is known generally as the ‘best interests checklist’. It is important to note that this is a non-exhaustive list and that not all the factors will be equally as relevant to all types of decisions, but they must all be considered each time, even if only to disregard them as not relevant to that case.

Understanding Mental Capacity from the The Open University 

This free course, Understanding mental capacity, describes the principles and criteria underpinning the assessment of mental capacity and decision making in the UK. The course begins by looking at what mental capacity – and the lack of it – means.

You will be introduced to various groups of people who are more likely to lack mental capacity, but you will also learn why it is relevant to everyone.

You will look at what can be done to help someone to make a decision themselves and the principles and steps that enable people to judge, fairly, whether someone has capacity or not.

You will be introduced to the legislation in the UK and will see how it supports and protects people who may lack capacity. 

The course will appeal to those who support people aged 16 or over and who have to make decisions in order to address the variety of interpretation and inconsistent application of services in everyday provision. It will explain the law and how it is applied in a practical way for those making important decisions about other’s lives, such as health and social care staff, police, banks and insurance industry workers, and retailers.

The Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards (DoLS) provide additional protection for the most vulnerable people living in residential homes, nursing homes, hospital environments and supported housing through the use of a rigorous, standardised assessment and authorisation process. They aim to protect those who lack capacity to consent to arrangements made in relation to their care and/or treatment, but who need to be deprived of their liberty in their own best interest to protect them from harm. They also offer the person concerned the rights:

• To challenge the decision to deprive them of their liberty;
• For a representative to act for them and protect their interests; and
• The right to have their status reviewed and monitored on a regular basis.

DoLS help ensure that an institution only restricts liberty safely and correctly and only when all other less restrictive options have been explored. The Local Authority manages this process and reports to the local Safeguarding Adults Board. In March 2014 the Supreme Court judgement in the case of “P v Cheshire West and Chester Council and another” and “P and Q v Surrey County Council” lowered the threshold for a deprivation and significantly widened the scope of the Mental Capacity Act Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards themselves.

Lewisham Council's Adult Social Care has a dedicated Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards web page that provides general information, links to other sources of information and contact details for the Deprivation of Liberty Safeguards Team.

Independent Advocacy Under the Care Act 2014

Advocacy and the duty to involve

Local authorities must involve people in decisions made about them and their care and support. No matter how complex a person’s needs, local authorities are required to help people express their wishes and feelings, support them in weighing up their options, and assist them in making their own decisions.

When does the advocacy duty apply?

The advocacy duty will apply from the point of first contact with the local authority and at any subsequent stage of the assessment, planning, care review, safeguarding enquiry or safeguarding adult review. If it appears to the authority that a person has care and support needs, then a judgement must be made as to whether that person has substantial difficulty in being involved and if there is an appropriate individual to support them. An independent advocate must be appointed to support and represent the person for the purpose of assisting their involvement if these two conditions are met and if the individual is required to take part in one or more of the following processes described in the Care Act:

• A needs assessment
• A carer’s assessment
• The preparation of a care and support or support plan
• A review of a care and support or support plan
• A child’s needs assessment
• A child’s carer’s assessment
• A young carer’s assessment
• A safeguarding enquiry
• A safeguarding adult review
• An appeal against a local authority decision under Part 1 of the Care Act (subject to further consultation)

Judging ‘substantial difficulty’

Local authorities must consider, for each person, whether they are likely to have substantial difficulty in engaging with the care and support process. The Care Act defines four areas where people may experience substantial difficulty. These are:

• Understanding relevant information
• Retaining information
• Using or weighing information
• Communicating views, wishes and feelings

Supported decision-making toolkit for people with communication difficulties

Practicable steps for people with communication difficulties

LSAB 7 Minute Briefing - Advocacy

Who is an ‘appropriate individual’ to assist a person’s involvement?

If the person being supported doesn’t want that person to support them, that’s not an appropriate adult. You can’t force an advocate on someone.

Co-production workshop participant

Local authorities must consider whether there is an appropriate individual who can facilitate a person’s involvement in the assessment, planning or review process, and this includes four specific considerations. The appropriate individual cannot be:

• Already providing care or treatment to the person in a professional capacity or on a paid basis
• Someone the person does not want to support them
• Someone who is unlikely to be able to, or available to, adequately support the person’s involvement
• Someone implicated in an enquiry into abuse or neglect or who has been judged by a safeguarding adult review to have failed to prevent abuse or neglect

The role of an ‘appropriate individual’ under the Care Act is potentially fuller and more demanding than that of an individual with whom it is ‘appropriate to consult’ under the Mental Capacity Act (MCA). Under the Care Act the appropriate individual’s role is to facilitate the person’s involvement, not merely to consult them and make decisions on their behalf.

Information and advice

The Care Act places a duty on local authorities to ensure that all adults in their area have access to information and advice on care and support, and to keep them safe from abuse and neglect. Prior to making contact with the local authority, there may be some people who require independent advocacy to access information and advice.

Continuing health care

The advocacy duty in the Care Act applies equally to those people whose needs are being jointly accessed by the NHS and the local authority, or where a package of support is planned, commissioned or funded by both a local authority and a clinical commissioning group (CCG), known as a ‘joint package’ of care.

Independence

The independence of the service is an important consideration for all commissioners.  For services to be meaningful and acceptable to those they are designed to support they must have the confidence of individuals, carers and the public.

Prisoners

From April 2015 local authorities will also be responsible for assessing and meeting the social care needs of adult prisoners (not just on discharge from prison but also while in custody). All prisoners will be treated as if they are resident in that area for the purposes of the Care Act and for as long as they reside in that prison. Prisoners will be entitled to the support of an independent advocate in the same circumstances as people in the community.

Social Care and Health have produced this video in British Sign Language on the provision of Independent Advocacy under the Care Act 2014.

Prevention

Adult safeguarding is about protecting adults’ right to live safely, free from abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Prevention sits at the heart of effective safeguarding, focusing on early action, awareness, and support to reduce the risk of harm before it occurs.

By promoting dignity, choice, an d wellbeing, safeguarding prevention empowers individuals, families, communities, and professionals to recognise risks, challenge unacceptable behaviour, and respond appropriately to concerns. A strong preventative approach helps create environments where adults feel safe, respected, and confident to speak up.

Preventing abuse and neglect means identifying potential risks early, supporting people to make informed choices, and strengthening protective factors such as community connections, resilience, and access to services.

Safeguarding is not just about reacting when harm has occurred, it is about building a culture of vigilance, respect, and accountability that keeps people safe every day.

When to Take Action

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of an adult, it is always better to act early. Concerns do not have to involve immediate danger to be raised. Early action can prevent situations from escalating.

If you’re concerned about an adult’s safety, find out how to raise a safeguarding concern

This video Safeguarding Adults - Looking Out For Each Other To Prevent Abuse which has been produced by the Social Care Institute for Excellence, can be helpful to highlight what the local community can do to protect themselves and those they care about.

Read more from SCIE on Preventing abuse and neglect of adults with care and support needs - SCIE

What helps to Prevent Abuse and Neglect?

Prevention works best when people:

Recognising Abuse and Neglect

Everyone needs to be able to recognise if what you are see or hear is potential abuse or neglect.

There are many forms and ways that adult abuse and neglect can occur. Adult abuse is also often complex involving more than one type of abuse occurring at any one time.

The Lewisham Safeguarding Adults Board offer Free Online Adult Safeguarding Foundation Level Training Sessions to everyone who would like to know more about Adult Safeguarding.

The aim of these online sessions is to provide an introduction to adult safeguarding by outlining the legal framework, definitions and principles that are used, and by explaining the content of the Lewisham Adult Safeguarding Pathway which includes key local and national resources.

This training is also ideal is for new staff, volunteers, or for those needing a refresher on Adult Safeguarding.

Find out more about the most common forms and signs of abuse.

Raising Community Awareness

As well as the training we offer, we also have a range of awareness raising adult safeguarding resources that can be used in all community settings. Including, posters, leaflets (available in a range of languages) and workbooks.

Take a look at the resources available to help you raise awareness of adult safeguarding in the community.

Local Support and Advice Services for Adults

Age UK Lewisham and Southwark Age UK Lewisham and Southwark

Age UK Lewisham and Southwark exist to improve the lives of older people in the London Boroughs of Lewisham and Southwark, working towards a future in which older people are valued, safe and empowered to make choices about their lives.

Age UK Lewisham and Southwark aim to empower and enable older people to lead fulfilled lives by:

• Providing services and support that address poverty and isolation
• Protecting the human rights of local older people
• Promoting health and wellbeing
• Connecting older people with their communities
• Working positively with partners across all sectors

Find out how Age UK Lewisham can help you. 

Feeling lonely or isolated? - Age UK Silver Line The Silver Line Helpline | Age UK

As we get older, we may find we spend more time on our own. This can sometimes feel lonely, boring or make us miss friends or family.

Age UK's The Silver Line Helpline is a free, confidential telephone service that offers friendship, conversation and support to older people – 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

They offer friendship, conversation, and support for people aged 55 or over, especially those who may be experiencing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Find out more about the Silver Line

Community Connections Breaking Isolation Video

Watch Community Connections film Breaking Social Isolation to see how they tackle loneliness and social isolation in Lewisham.

Community Connections Lewisham are able to connect you with groups, activities and services in your local community that can support your health and wellbeing, bringing Lewisham to you!

You can phone them on 0330 058 3464, from 9:30am-4pm Monday-Friday (*except Thursdays when our line is open from 2-4pm). You can also get in touch using their online referral form, or visit the Thursday Morning Drop In.

Looking After Mental Health and Wellbeing

The Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub provides timely, targeted support to help people across the diverse communities in Lewisham to manage their mental health. Their 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 their 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 about the Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub

Download the Lewisham Community Wellbeing Hub Leaflet

 

Look after your health with Pharmacy First

Pharmacists can offer advice on a range of illnesses, such as coughs, colds, sore throats, ear infections and aches and pains.

They can also give advice about medicines. This includes how to use your medicine, worries about side effects or any other questions you have.

Most pharmacies can also offer prescription medicine for some conditions, without you needing to see a GP or make an appointment. This is called Pharmacy First.

Conditions they can offer prescription medicine for are:

• impetigo (aged 1 year and over)
• infected insect bites (aged 1 year and over)
• earache (aged 1 to 17 years)
• sore throat (aged 5 years and over)
• sinusitis (aged 12 years and over)
• urinary tract infections (UTIs) (women aged 16 to 64 years)
• shingles (aged 18 years and over)

If you are not within these age ranges, a pharmacist can still offer advice and support decisions about self care treatment with over the counter medicines, but you may need to see a GP for treatment.

If you go to a pharmacy with one of these conditions, the pharmacist will offer you advice, treatment or refer you to a GP or other health professional if needed. They will also update your GP health record, but your information will not be shared with anyone else.

Think pharmacy first and get seen by your local community pharmacy team.

For more information, visit nhs.uk/thinkpharmacyfirst

Staying Physically Healthy and Independent

Get an NHS Health Check

The NHS Health Check is a free check-up of the health of your heart and blood vessels (cardiovascular health). It can tell you whether you're at higher risk of getting certain health problems, such as:

• heart disease
• diabetes
• kidney disease
• stroke

During the check-up you'll discuss how to reduce your risk of these conditions.

If you're aged over 65, you'll also be told about symptoms of dementia to look out for, as some types of dementia have the same risk factors as these conditions. You can also be given details of local services that help with dementia.

Who is the NHS Health Check for?

The check is for people who are aged 40 to 74 who do not have any of the following pre-existing conditions:

• heart disease
• chronic kidney disease
• diabetes
• high blood pressure (hypertension)
• atrial fibrillation
• transient ischaemic attack
• inherited high cholesterol (familial hypercholesterolemia)
• heart failure
• peripheral arterial disease
• stroke
• currently being prescribed medicines such as statins to lower cholesterol
• previous checks have found that you have a 20% or higher risk of getting cardiovascular disease over the next 10 years

You should be offered regular check-ups if you have already been diagnosed with one of these conditions. Your care team will be able to give you more information about this.

How do I get an NHS Health Check?

If you're aged 40 to 74 and do not have a pre-existing health condition, you should be invited to an NHS Health Check by your GP or local council every 5 years.

If you have not been invited for an NHS Health Check and think you're eligible, contact your GP to arrange an appointment.

For more information visit NHS Health Check - NHS

Addressing Known Risk Factors

Drugs and alcohol

If you or someone you care about is struggling with drugs or alcohol, it can feel upsetting, confusing and exhausting. You’re not alone, and support is available for both you and them.

You can’t control someone else’s choices but helping them take a step towards the right support can make a real difference. Just as importantly, it’s okay to ask for help for yourself too, caring for someone can take a toll.

There are local services in the borough that offer friendly, confidential advice. Some also provide extra support for carers, family members and partners, including counselling and wellbeing support.

Find out more about Drug and Alcohol Services in Lewisham.

Independent Age - Advice and support for older age

Independent Age have some great advice on what can cause falls, what you can do if you do fall and where to find out further information.

Falls and how to avoid them

Lewisham Community Falls Service

Lewisham and Greenwich NHS Trust offer a Community Falls Service which you can refer yourself to, or you can also access the service via referral from your GP.

Reducing Known Risks

Lewisham Council

Sport and Leisure

See what sports facilities are available in the borough and check if you're eligible for discounts on leisure activities.

Your local arts

Find out about local arts activities including theatres, cinemas, dance classes, choirs and public art.

Lewisham Libraries

Sports or the Arts not your interest? Lewisham Libraries has lots of activities and groups, including Cat Bytes for help with using digital devices, sound bath sessions for relaxation.

Local Support and Advice Services for Carers

If you help another person who needs support to live in their home then you may be a Carer. The person you care for could be mentally or physically disabled, ill or elderly and frail. They could be your parent, child, partner, relative or friend.

We have a whole Carers section on our website, including explanations of the different types of abuse, and local services which provide support information and advice to carers.

London Fire Brigade - Home Fire Safety Checker

You can get tailored advice for your home, or the home of someone you care for direct from the London Fire Brigade.

Our tool allows you to carry out a thorough check of the home in only a few minutes. It’s simple and practical – giving specific advice tailored to your circumstances and your home.

Get started with the Home Fire Safety Checker

Metropolitan Police- Lewisham - Personal safety: how to stay safe

Tips and advice on keeping yourself protected from crime from pickpocketing and personal robbery to harassment and dealing with violent situations.

It also includes advice on things that you can do to help others feel safe.

Protect yourself from fraud and cyber crime with Report Fraud.

How much do you really know about fraud and cyber crime? Report Fraud has lots of helpful information and advice on how to keep you safe. If you’ve been affected by any kind of cyber crime or fraud and live in England, Wales or Northern Ireland, Report Fraud are the people you need to speak to. They will help you report to the police, learn about how to prevent it, and get the support you need.

The LSAB has a Scams Information and Advice webpage with explanations on all the different types of scams and fraud that criminals can use. It also has useful advice and the services that exist locally that can help if you have been a victim of fraud.

In conjunction with our Board Partner, Lewisham Speaking Up, we have also produced a SCAM’s Eady Read Booklet.

Read and download the Scams Easy Read Booklet

The Role of Advocacy in Prevention

Advocacy is a vital part of safeguarding prevention. It helps ensure that adults are supported to express their views, understand information, and participate fully in decisions that affect their lives.

Advocates can support adults to:

• Understand their rights and safeguarding processes
• Express their wishes, views, and feelings
• Make informed choices about their safety and wellbeing
• Challenge decisions or actions they do not agree with
• Access services and support at an early stage

By helping people to speak up and be heard, advocacy can prevent concerns from escalating and reduce the risk of abuse or neglect.

Where to get Advocacy Support

Individual organisations will know the communication needs of their client groups, and as such are best placed to provide bespoke adult safeguarding information in the most appropriate formats, methods and languages.

LSAB 7 Minute Briefing - Statutory Advocacy

POhWER provide the statutory Lewisham Advocacy Service to support residents with a variety of issues, where there may be difficulties with communication or understanding information.

Find out more about the Lewisham Advocacy Service Leaflet.

Lewisham Speaking Up is an advocacy organisation based in the London Borough of Lewisham. They pride themselves in supporting people with learning disabilities to speak up, be heard and have a stronger voice. They work together to bring about the changes people want and need. They strive to get better and fairer treatment for all people with learning disabilities.

They have two service areas:

• Self-Advocacy
• 1-2-1 Advocacy

These services work together to maximise the help they give to people. As an organisation they genuinely value and listen to the people they support and they work hard on their behalf to get their views and wishes taken into account.

Their vision is for a society where people with learning disabilities are listened to, recognised, respected and included in all decisions about their lives.

Find out more about Lewisham Speaking Up and the services they offer.

Watch this introductory video from Lewisham Speaking Up

The Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Network (LRMN) believe that everyone should be able to live safely in a place where they can thrive and be part of the community. LRMN has helped thousands of people seeking sanctuary to do just that, rebuild their lives and to do so with dignity. 

LRMN provides essential advice helping people resolve issues around immigration, housing and welfare benefits. Their services are open to people facing destitution, homelessness and have no access to public safety nets. Their offer includes advice on

• Immigration
• Housing and Welfare
• Access to HealthCare
• Advocacy

They are also able to provide information and support on Wellbeing and Emergency Support.

Find out more about the Lewisham Refugee & Migrant Network

Safer Recruitment

Safer recruitment is about keeping adults safe when we recruit staff or volunteers. It means thinking about safeguarding at every stage of the process, so we reduce the risk of taking on someone who isn’t suitable to work with adults who have care and support needs.

This includes having clear checks in place and knowing what to do if concerns arise later on. From the start, roles and adverts should make it clear that the organisation takes safeguarding seriously.

When choosing someone, the aim is to find the best fit for the role while being fair to everyone. At the same time, it’s important to make sure people understand their safeguarding responsibilities and that anyone unsuitable is not appointed.

Find out more about Check someone's criminal record as an employer

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