Safeguarding is everybody’s business

This week we’ve joined organisations across Barnsley to mark Safeguarding Awareness Week. We’ve been raising awareness of safeguarding issues, encouraging everyone to spot the signs and make a referral if they have concerns.  

Safeguarding means keeping people safe from harm, abuse, and neglect, and we all have a role to play. We want all tenants to be safe and happy in their homes. We work in partnership with Barnsley Council to do as much as possible to prevent abuse happening by raising awareness and understanding.   

Here’s a list of signs that someone may need safeguarding support:  

• Hoarding – a home full of clutter, or a person who finds it difficult or impossible to throw things away 

• Poor living conditions – a home that isn’t clean or safe 

• Needing more support than usual – someone isn’t coping as well on their own as they used to 

• A change in mood – someone who isn’t their usual self and might seem angry, upset, or quieter than normal 

• Self-neglect – someone isn’t eating well, taking their medication, or taking care of their personal hygiene 

• Signs of physical harm – someone who has new cuts and bruises or who has punch holes in walls or broken doors 

• Being harassed – someone who is getting unwanted behaviour which makes them feel scared, hurt, or upset 

• Child abuse - this can be physical, sexual or emotional, and signs can include changes in behaviour as well as injuries like cuts, bruises and burns 

• Financial abuse - someone who shows signs or evidence of this 

If you're worried about someone’s safety, you should: 

• Call 999 or (0114) 2202020 if a child is in danger.  

• Call 999 or (01226) 773300 if an adult is in danger or it’s an emergency.  

• Make a safeguarding referral if a person is being harmed, abused, or struggling with self-neglect or hoarding so they can get the help they need. 

• Talk to them today about how we can help them stop the harm. 

To find out more please visit our Safeguarding page here.  
 

Barnsley Safeguarding Adults Board and Children’s Partnership have lots of free events planned across the borough where you can learn more about how we can help keep adults, children and families in Barnsley safe and free from harm. Please visit Barnsley Council’s Safeguarding Awareness Week webpage here for further information, advice and support.