Safeguarding

Safeguarding statement for MhIST

MhIST believes that it is unacceptable for anyone to experience abuse of any kind and recognises its responsibility to safeguarding the welfare of all adults, young people and children by a commitment to practice which protects them.

Abuse may consist of a single act or repeated acts.  It may be physical, verbal or psychological, it may be an act of neglect or an omission to act, or it may occur when a vulnerable person is persuaded to enter into a financial or sexual transaction to which he or she has not consented, or cannot consent.  Abuse can occur in any relationship and may result in significant harm to, or exploitation of, the person subjected to it.

Abuse of adults at risk, young people or children may be perpetrated by a wide range of people including relatives, family members, professional staff, paid care workers, volunteers, other service users, neighbours, friends and associates, people who deliberately exploit vulnerable people and strangers.

It is not always obvious when someone is being abused, there may be specific signs or your instincts may tell you something is wrong. Abuse is never acceptable in any circumstances and everyone has the right to be safe. Safeguarding adults, young people and children is everyone’s business. 

Working in partnership with the community and safeguarding authorities MhIST aims to make sure that adults at risk using its services are listened to and protected from abuse. MhIST staff must report all incidents or concerns they have relating to the wellbeing of an adult at risk, young person or child.

Members of the public who have concerns should follow guidance offered by their local Adult Safeguarding Board or Children’s Safeguarding Board.

If you wish to notify or log a safeguarding concern about an adult at risk, young person or child accessing MhIST you can contact the Local Safeguarding Teams as follows:

If anyone is in immediate danger of being harmed, call the police on 999.

Otherwise, for concerns about a child or young person ring 01204 331500 between 9.00am and 5.00pm, or 01204 337777 out of hours.

For concerns about an adult ring 01204 337000 between 9am and 5pm, or 01204 337777 out of hours.