Residents are being encouraged to speak up if they have concerns about someone’s safety or wellbeing as part of Wales Safeguarding Week, taking place from 9-13 November.
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and recognising when something isn’t right can make a real difference in protecting children, young people and adults at risk of abuse or neglect.
This year’s local campaign, ‘Should I say something?’, highlights the importance of recognising concerns, asking questions and taking action rather than remaining silent.
Safeguarding concerns can take many forms, including physical or emotional abuse, neglect, financial exploitation, online harm or other situations where someone may be at risk.
Sometimes the signs aren’t immediately obvious.
Changes in someone’s behaviour, signs of distress or concerns about how a person is being treated could indicate that something is wrong.
You don’t need to have all the answers or be certain that abuse is taking place before raising a concern. Speaking up can be an important first step towards ensuring someone receives the help and protection they need.
Throughout Safeguarding Week, Wrexham council will be supporting awareness-raising activities and staff briefings organised by the North Wales Safeguarding Board.
These will explore important issues including online misogyny, modern slavery, human trafficking, and learning from previous safeguarding reviews, helping strengthen the recognition and reporting of safeguarding concerns.
The campaign also reflects important lessons from the Child Practice Review, ‘Our Bravery Brought Justice’, which highlighted the need to listen to children and young people, take concerns seriously and act when something doesn’t seem right.
The review serves as a reminder of the importance of ensuring that people feel able to speak up and that their concerns are heard.
Councillor Rob Walsh, Lead Member for Children’s and Family services said, “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and we all have a part to play in helping to protect vulnerable people in our communities.
Sometimes it can be difficult to know whether to speak up if something doesn’t seem right, but raising a concern could make a real difference to someones life.
Safeguarding Week is an important opportunity to remind people that they shouldn’t be afraid to ask questions, share concerns or seek advice. By looking out for one another, we can help keep everyone safe.”
Councillor Beverley Parry-Jones, Lead Member for Adult Social Care, Health and Wellbeing said, “Everyone deserves to feel safe, respected and supported in their community, but unfortunately there are people who may be experiencing abuse, neglect or exploitation without others realising.
Safeguarding isn’t just the responsibility of professionals. Friends, family members, neighbours and members of the public can all play an important role in recognising when someone may need help.
I would encourage anyone who has concerns about another person’s safety or wellbeing to speak up. You don’t need to be certain that something is wrong to raise a concern, and taking that first step could make a real difference.
If you’re worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child, young person or adult at risk, its important to share your concerns.
If you’re concerned that a child is at risk of harm or neglect, you can email children’s single Point of Access (SPoA) or call 01978292039.
If you’re concerned that an adult is at risk, you can email Single Point of Access Adults or call 01978292066.
If it is outside of normal working hours, you can call the out-of-hours emergency social services on 03450533116.
If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Further information about safeguarding and how to report concerns is available on the the Wrexham Council website.
You can also find information and resources on the North Wales Safeguarding Board website.
Remember, if something doesn’t seem right, don’t be afraid to speak up. Your actions could help protect someone from harm.
