The Trust is committed to protecting the safety and welfare of children and adults at risk. It is their right to be kept safe from harm, abuse or neglect.
Everyone at the Trust has a responsibility for safeguarding.
We see safeguarding as a key priority and ensure that all our staff are aware that safeguarding is everyone’s business and is our everyday business. We all have a role to play in ensuring people accessing our services receive outstanding care, treatment and are safeguarded.
If a child or adult is in immediate danger, always call 999 for the emergency services. If a crime has been committed, but there is no immediate danger, ring 101.
The Trust has an Integrated Safeguarding Team who are committed to safeguarding unborn babies, children, young people, their families and adults at risk as well as our staff and visitors.
The Team comprises of a Head of Nursing for Integrated Safeguarding, a lead nurse for safeguarding, a named doctor for child protection, a named midwife, specialist safeguarding nurses for adults and children and an administration team.
The Trust also has a Cared for Children’s Team that comprises of specialist nurses for children in the care of the local authority.
Professionals rely on people to help alert them that children and young people might be suffering harm, abuse or in need of support. We aim to support families that would benefit from extra help with parenting their children so that children and young people are not put at further risk. Everyone can help by being aware of children and young people around them and alerting services of even the smallest concerns.
As a parent, carer, neighbour or anyone in contact with children and families you may at times have concerns about the welfare of a child. These could be concerns about their development, appearance or behaviour which may indicate signs of abuse.
If you have concerns about a child you can and should seek advice from professionals.
There are a number of things you can do if you are worried a child or young person may be suffering, or at risk of suffering harm.
Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000. Adults who are concerned about a child can speak to a trained child protection officer for advice about what to do, you can also email helpline@nspcc.org.uk for advice.
If you are a child or young person, you can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 to talk about any problem, counsellors are always there to help you sort it out. It is free and confidential.
Speak to your (or the child’s) GP, health visitor, school nurse or other health professional so that you can share your early concerns. You could also speak to the child’s teacher. All professionals have guidelines on how to act when children and young people are at risk. They will be able to advise you on what to do next.
If concerns are raised about a child or young person by our services, the Trust's Integrated Safeguarding Team and health staff work closely with the child, schools, the police and social services.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, contact the following numbers:
For early help and support you can ring the Early Help Access Point on 0161 342 4260 or visit the Council's website for more information.
If you are a member of the public and are concerned about a child or a young person please call the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on 0161 342 4101 or, if outside of normal working hours, 0161 342 2222.
Further information is available on the Council's website.
An adult is anyone aged 18 years or over:
- Who is or may be in need of community services because of mental or other illness, disability or age, and;
- Who is, or may be unable to protect themselves against serious harm or exploitation
Who might be at risk from abuse?
Some adults may not be able to take care of themselves very well or protect themselves from abuse or exploitation. This includes:
- People with mental ill health
- People with learning disabilities or physical disabilities
- People who, because of illness or age, depend on others for care
- People with dementia
- People with long term health needs
- People who misuse drugs or alcohol.
What do we mean by abuse?
Abuse can take many forms. Abuse can happen anywhere and at any time and can be committed by anyone. It includes:
- Physical abuse – being hit, slapped, punched or kicked on purpose
- Sexual abuse – being involved in sexual activity that is not wanted or not understood
- Emotional abuse – being humiliated, threatened, controlled, isolated, intimidated, verbally abused or prevented from receiving support from services
- Neglect – not being provided with food, clothing, attention or care, preventing access to health, social care services or education or misusing medication
- Discrimination – being treated unfairly because of gender, race, culture, background, age, disability, sexuality or illness.
- Financial abuse – theft or misuse of money, property or personal possessions, pressure in connection with property, inheritance or wills or in entering financial agreements.
If you suspect an adult is at risk of abuse, or if you are experiencing abuse, you can access help on the following numbers:
Adult Services
Integrated Urgent Care Team, Ashton Primary Care Centre, 193 Old Street, Ashton-Under-Lyne OL6 7SR
Community Gateway Team Tel: 0161 922 4888
Out of Hours Service Tel: 0161 342 2222
Email: communitygateway@tgh.nhs.uk
Further information is available on the Council's website.