The multi-agency Buckinghamshire Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board (BSVAB), of which Oxford Health NHS FT is a key partner, launches a high-impact campaign today to raise awareness of the abuse of vulnerable adults and let people know how to report abuse if they see or experience it. The term vulnerable adult refers to those aged 18 and over who, due to a physical or sensory impairment, mental health problem, learning disability, age or illness, may not be able to take care of themselves and so may be more at risk from abuse.

Abuse can take on a variety of forms including neglect, financial, physical and psychological abuse. Last year more than 800 cases of suspected abuse were reported in Buckinghamshire.

Using a series of hard-hitting posters depicting the different types of abuse that can happen, the campaign prompts people to call the dedicated Careline should they have any suspicions about someone they know or something they have seen. Over the coming months the campaign will be rolled out across the county, using posters, advertising, media stories, presence at live events and displays in public places.

The message is simple: Safeguarding is everybody’s business. We all need to be aware of the issues and know what to do and where to go to raise our concerns. If you are worried by something you have seen or someone you know, call the Careline: 0800 137 915

For more information on the campaign and the work of the Buckinghamshire Safeguarding  Vulnerable Adults Board visit: www.bsvab.org