Safeguarding is everybody's business. If you think an adult is at risk of abuse or neglect and is unable to protect themselves you can report it to Adult Social Care. Safeguarding continues to be business as usual and you can report concerns 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Please see the numbers below.
Remember if it is an emergency and the adult is in immediate danger call 999.
You can find more information on our website about what abuse and neglect is, how to report your concerns and what happens next here
Ask for help if you need it
Cumbria County Council can provide urgent help and emergency support, including basic food and essential items, or if you are struggling to cope with your current situation for whatever reason.
Call the county council's Support Helpline on 0800 783 1966 (Monday to Thursday 9am to 5pm, Friday 9am to 4.30pm). The line will be closed during bank holidays over the Christmas period (27 & 28 December and 3 January).
Look out for signs of Domestic Abuse this Christmas
People are being reminded to look out for signs that someone may be suffering from domestic abuse this Christmas.
Cases of domestic abuse do tend to increase in December.
We want victims to know that there is support available and that they don’t have to suffer in silence. The message has been issued as Cumbria Constabulary’s domestic abuse campaign continues throughout December. Read full details here from Cumbria Police.
We have been raising awareness of this issue and extra measures have been launched to stop abuse and protect people. Support services have also been placed in the spotlight to help those suffering abuse – and to encourage those who commit abuse to seek help. Signs someone may be suffering from domestic abuse include;
Injuries
Substance abuse
Personality changes
Low self-esteem
Stopping socialising
Stress
Absence from work
Support your community and be kind
Looking out for the people in your community makes a huge difference. Check in with your neighbours and vulnerable people in your community, check they have what they need.
And remember, the pandemic is putting people under immense pressure, not everything is working as it would normally, but people are trying their best, so be patient and be kind as we all try and get through this.
New campaign urging people to 'keep talking' this Christmas
Christmas is a time when many people feel pressure to spend more than they can afford on elaborate gifts and food.
Sometimes when people are in debt, they can become so worried about it that they consider taking their own lives.
Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership's new campaign urges people to ‘keep talking’ about their money worries so they don’t reach that point.
If you are struggling yourself or you are concerned for somebody else, please visit the Lancashire and South Cumbria Health and Care Partnership website which contains resources, information, support organisations and other websites to help support your mental health.
