Article: Safeguarding vulnerable adults from abuse Article Body Everyone has the right to live without fear of being abused and with their rights and choices respected. Some people are more vulnerable than others due to disability, illness or age and may be unable to protect themselves from being harmed. Some have difficulty making their wishes and feelings known and this may make them vulnerable to abuse. A vulnerable adult means any person aged 18 years or over who may need help due to: A learning/physical or sensory disability Frailty due to age Mental health problems or dementia A drug/alcohol problem A physical illness A brain injury Relatives, neighbours and members of the public all have a responsibility to take action if the safety or welfare of a vulnerable adult is causing concern. You can make a difference by being aware that abuse can happen and reporting any concerns you may have. Barnsley Adult Social Services and partner organisations are working together to make life safer for adults who are most at risk of being abused, neglected or exploited. In South Yorkshire we have joint policies and procedures to ensure that the relevant services including social services, the police, the Primary Care Trust and others work together to help and support adults with health and social care needs who may have been the victim of abuse. Download a copy of the South Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Procedures. If you think someone is being abused or someone is abusing you, contact Adult Social Services on one of the telephone numbers listed below. If you are reporting abuse it is helpful to provide your name for us to contact you for further information, but you can also report suspected abuse and not disclose your identity should you wish. Please click on the links below for more information. Safeguarging Vulnerable Adults.pdf Say No to Abuse! Easy read leaflet.pdf Safeguarding Adults A5 Guide for Care Staff (Page 1) Safeguarding Adults A5 Guide for Care Staff (Page 2) We will take any report of abuse seriously and will look into the matter fully. Contacts: Adult Social Services Teams Or email:adultprotection@barnsley.gov.uk Report concerns of a crime to the Police on 01142 20 20 20. In an emergency dial 999.