Next week, 25 to the 29 June, York will be promoting Safeguarding Week 2018. Organised by the Safeguarding Adults Board and Local Safeguarding Children’s Board, in conjunction with a number of local organisations, the week is designed to give residents a chance to understand what safeguarding is all about and how the council and its partners work to protect vulnerable individuals from harm.
This year the Safeguarding Adults Board. and City of York Council have chosen to focus awareness on financial scams and abuse.
Cllr Paul Doughty, Conservative spokesperson for adult social care and health said:
“Financial scams and financial abuse are a particularly cynical exploitation of vulnerable people and sadly are becoming ever more widespread with the advance of online financial services and similar transactions. Safeguarding Week is a chance for residents to learn how they can recognise financial abuse and how they can protect themselves and their loved ones from this kind of abuse..”
Financial abuse can show itself in a multitude of ways besides beyond ‘sharp practice’: it can also manifest itself in situations where one individual attempts to control the finances of another, particularly someone who’s vulnerable. . A key message from the week is that it’s important to stay informed and educated in order to notice when something doesn’t look quite right.
The month of June also marks Scam Awareness month, an annual opportunity to both raise public awareness and stand against crimes and predatory practices which impact the lives of millions across the country.
To report a safeguarding concern contact adult social care, on 01904 555111 (during office hours), hearing impaired customers can use the text facility 07534 437804. For out of hours support call 01609 780780 or find out more at safeguardingadultsyork.org.uk
To report any suspected scam mail, you can contact the Citizens Advice Customer Helpline on 03434 04 05 06.
Get involved in Safeguarding Week 2018:
Throughout the week there will be events across the city for members of the public to attend. Residents will have a chance to meet with experts and volunteers to discuss in confidence any concern anyone may have about their own circumstances or someone they know, who may be experiencing, or at risk of financial abuse.
- Trading Standards and the Adult Safeguarding Team – 25 June, 2-4pm. At The Centre@Burnholme, Mossdale Avenue, York. YO31 0HA
- Royal Bank of Scotland (Friends Against Scams), Trading Standards and the Adult Safeguarding Team – 27 June, 10-11:30am. At The Gateway Centre, Front Street, Acomb, York. YO24 3BZ
- Home Instead and Trading Standards – 27 June, 10am-12pm. At Cafe Nelli at the Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick, York. YO32 4AQ