Everyone should be able to live their life without fear of abuse, harassment, or neglect.
Our safeguarding team work across our hospital and communities to help our teams:
- spot the signs of harm, and raise concerns where appropriate
- support children and vulnerable adults where harm has happened.
We take all cases of abuse or neglect very seriously and are committed to dealing with them effectively to protect children and adults at risk.
We also work with colleagues in our local councils to make sure our community is safe and healthy.
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 integrated safeguarding, a named nurse for safeguarding children and adults, 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 a named nurse for cared for children and specialist nurses for children and young people in the care of the local authority, and care leavers.
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 help identify concerns early so that the right support can be provided to families, so preventing harm occurring. 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:
- Speak to your (or the child’s) GP, health visitor, school nurse or other health professional so that you can share your 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 health staff work closely with the child, family, schools, the police and social services with support and supervision from the Integrated Safeguarding Team.
- Call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 to speak to trained staff will give advice about what to do, you can also email helpline@nspcc.org.uk for advice.
- 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 child or young person and you are feeling worried, scared, uncomfortable or unsafe, or you feel very alone or unhappy, please tell someone about it so they can try to help you.
- You can talk to an adult who you trust, maybe a teacher.
- You can call ChildLine on 0800 1111 to talk about any problem.
- There is help online too via Children and Young People - Tameside Safeguarding Children Partnership.
If you suspect that a child is being abused or neglected, contact the following numbers:
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 at risk of harm or abuse is anyone aged 18 years or over:
- who needs help with their daily activities because of mental or other illness, disability or age (whether they receive the help or not)
- who may not be able to remove themselves from serious harm or exploitation.
Who might be at risk of abuse?
Some adults may not be able to take care of themselves or protect themselves from abuse or exploitation for various reasons. They may:
- have mental health problems
- have learning disabilities or physical disabilities
- have problems related to aging and are dependent on others for care
- have dementia
- have long term health needs
- have problems with misuse of drugs or alcohol
- be a carer, providing care to a family member, friend or neighbour.
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 or self neglect – not having adequate food, clothing, attention or care, access to healthcare, social care services and 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 neglect, 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.