Report a concern about an adult

If you think an adult with care or support needs is being abused in any way, you should report this as a safeguarding concern.

If you think you, or someone you know, is being abused or neglected you must tell someone. This includes an adult who:

  • has need for care and support (or appears to have those needs)
  • is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
  • is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of their care and support needs

You must not ignore abuse or neglect.

Call the police

If the danger is immediate, call 999. If the person is not in immediate danger, call 101.

Contact the Single Point of Access (SPA) team

Telephone: 0300 373 3732

Information to provide

If you can, tell us or the police:

  • why you are concerned
  • the name, age and address of the adult at risk
  • if anyone lives with the adult
  • if the adult is getting help from any organisation
  • who may be doing the abuse or neglect

If you are not sure about some these details you can still report the abuse or neglect.

Safeguarding adults

Safeguarding adults means protecting them from abuse or neglect by getting the right support in place as early as possible and to create an environment in which they feel safe and healthy.

There are many types of abuse and neglect which are defined in the Care Act 2014 as:

  • physical abuse
  • sexual abuse
  • financial abuse
  • psychological abuse
  • self-neglect
  • domestic abuse
  • organisational abuse
  • modern-day slavery
  • discriminatory abuse

The Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board website provides further information and advice.

Care and support provides practical, financial and emotional support for adults who need extra help to manage their lives and be independent. This includes:

  • older people
  • people with a disability or long-term illness
  • people with mental health problems
  • carers