New ways explored to protect vulnerable from abuse

The Safeguarding Children and Adults boards have held a meeting to discuss the issues, focusing on ways to prevent financial abuse, how parents and carers can safeguard their children at sports and faith groups and how children and adults can stay safe when they are out and about.

As part of the action taken by the boards, an animated video on financial abuse has been produced by Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Adults Board and Telford & Wrekin and Shropshire Citizens Advice, with the aim of raising awareness of the help and support that is available.

The animation also targets people known as financial friends who may know someone who is being abused but are unsure about what to do about it.

The checklist-style animation is also designed for parents and carers to help them understand what they should do to safeguard their children when looking to join sports clubs and faith groups.

Scheme

As well as this, a scheme has been launched the Safe Places scheme, involving retail outlets and organisations that have agreed to provide a safe haven for children and adults that are feeling vulnerable.

Andrew Mason, who chairs both the Telford & Wrekin Local Safeguarding Children Board and the Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Adults Board, said: “We are striving to ensure that as much useful material to help protect both children and adults is readily available to help them make the best and most informed choices.

“The safety of the public no matter what age they are is our top priority and I am pleased that we have a suite of information, checklists and initiatives to help give them reassurance and peace of mind that help is never far away.”