Members of the South Ayrshire Adult Protection Committee are pictured at the launch of the first report of its work over the last two years
South Ayrshire Adult Protection Committee, which works to promote and improve the protection of adults at risk in our communities, has launched the first report on its work over the last two years.
The committee was established in 2009 to promote improvement in the protection of adults at risk through effective partnership working and to ensure the public, partner agencies and employees have access to the information they need about adult protection.
Many people forget that adults can be abused too – at any time and in any place – with perpetrators being anyone from complete strangers to those whose responsibility it is to support and look after these most vulnerable people in our society, which can include family members.
The committee includes representatives from South Ayrshire Council, Strathclyde Police, NHS Ayrshire & Arran and Strathclyde Fire and Rescue.
Ann Clark, Chair of the committee said: "The report outlines the activities undertaken by us to support vulnerable adults that need protection. An important aspect of our role is to highlight the importance of protecting adults who, for a variety of reasons, need extra support.
"Last year we took part in an advertising campaign, in conjunction with North and East Ayrshire Councils, to raise awareness with the public of the range of adults who could need additional support. We sent out a strong message on billboards, adverts on buses, radio adverts, press releases and leaflets that all adults deserve to be treated equally.
"We have achieved a lot in our first two years: 1,714 staff have received some form of adult support and protection training; new operating procedures have been developed to explain how to raise concerns; we have established a framework to protect vulnerable adults in South Ayrshire and dealt with more than 100 referrals."
"Dealing with these issues can be very challenging and I really appreciate the support I have received from South Ayrshire Council and the other agencies that work closely with us.
"I look forward to the future with enthusiasm for developments which will be of benefit to the people who need adult support and protection."
The report clearly lays out the reasons for the committee's existence, how it is working to support vulnerable adults and the way in which it intends to develop existing and future services.
Councillor Nan McFarlane, Social Services Portfolio Holder for South Ayrshire Council said: "I would like to congratulate the South Ayrshire Adult Protection Committee on this report. The committee has carried out a review of practice and procedures relating to safeguarding adults at risk and provides information and advice to those who need their services. Importantly it has, improved the skills and knowledge of officers, employees and public bodies who have responsibility for vulnerable adults.
"It is a sad fact that there are some people who prey on vulnerable adults. This can take many forms - mental cruelty, physical abuse, taking advantage of a person financially or treating them in any other appropriate way.
"The Adult Protection Committee is there to help, and if you suspect any adult is being mistreated it is your duty to do something about it, we must help those who cannot help themselves."
Members of the committee are already planning future projects, such as working more closely with people it has already helped and supported to gain a greater understanding of how they think the system could be further improved.
If you have a concern about adult support and protection, contact the Enquiry and Information Team on 01292 268119.
For further information about the South Ayrshire Adult Protection Committee, call 01292 612055 or email asp@south-ayshire.gov.uk.