National Safeguarding Week 2023
Monday 13th November – Friday 17th November.
The theme for this year’s National Safeguarding Week is ‘Exploitation’.
To access the programme of evens for this year, click here: CV RSB NSW Programme of Events – FINAL (updated)
To conclude the week, we have produced a Summary Report which captures an overview of the events held during the week. A copy of which is available here: National Safeguarding Week 2023 Summary Report.
National Safeguarding Week 2022
Monday 14th – 18th November
The theme for this year’s National Safeguarding Week is ‘The Fundamentals of Safeguarding Practice – Back-to-Basics’.
The Programme of Events for 2022 can be found here: NSW Programme 2022 Final
#SafeguardingWales
National Safeguarding Week 2021
Monday 15th – Friday 19th November
National Safeguarding Week is an annual event that is coordinated by each of the Regional Safeguarding Boards throughout Wales and is supported by the Welsh Government and the National Independent Safeguarding Board (NISB). The focus of the week is to raise awareness amongst practitioners and the community as to key safeguarding messages.
This year we will be focusing on the regional theme of ‘Mental Health and the Population’ and will also be revisiting other issues exacerbated by the pandemic. We will also be undertaking a comparison and reflection in terms of what improvements/changes have been made one year on.
The National Safeguarding Week Programme of Events for 2021 can be found here: CV RSB NSW Programme of Events – FINAL
The national hashtag that will be used this year is #SafeguardingWales
A link to our new safeguarding resource for children & young people will be available soon. Here you can explore a range of tailored online resources to help educate children, young people, and their families, to stay safe. Topics include:
- Mental health & wellbeing
- Online safety
- Social isolation/loneliness
- Alcohol and substance misuse
- Gangs/exploitation
- Domestic abuse/healthy relationships
- Suicide prevention
Downloadable Resources:
National Safeguarding Week 2021 Resources – Mental Health and Wellbeing
National Safeguarding Week 2021 Resources – Drug and Alcohol Awareness-Misuse
National Safeguarding Week 2021 Resources – Online abuse
We have also created an awareness raising factsheet for tenants, with a particular focus on the impact the pandemic has had and exploring issues that have been exacerbated such as substance misuse, mental health or wellbeing, domestic abuse etc.
The United Nations ‘Elimination of violence against women and girls’ day is 25th November. This day is also known as ‘White Ribbon day’. We have arranged a series on online events between 22nd November – 8th December 2021 to raise awareness of violence against women, domestic abuse and sexual violence and the services and interventions available across the region for victims, survivors and for those who perpetrate harm.
Please find the link to the Calendar of Events here:
White Ribbon Calendar 2021 FINAL
A few simple steps can help older people to protect themselves from online crime and scams
With more older people using computers, tablets and smartphones as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic, it’s crucial that older people take a few simple steps so they can stay safe online.
That’s the message from an action group of organisations working together to safeguard and protect older people in Wales1.
Many older people throughout Wales have been getting online recently – some for the first time – to stay connected with loved ones and access vital information and services during lockdown.
And with a few simple actions – actions we should all be taking – including using strong passwords and security software, and ensuring that apps and operating systems are kept up to date, older people can enjoy all of the benefits of being online whilst also protecting themselves from potential security risks.
It’s also crucial that older people know how to spot potential email and other online scams to protect themselves from criminals stealing their money and personal information.
Older People’s Commissioner for Wales, Heléna Herklots CBE, said: “For many older people, being online during the Covid-19 pandemic has made a positive difference, allowing them to stay connected with family and friends, find essential information and use online services.
“But it’s crucial that older people – like all of us – make sure we do all we can to protect ourselves online, particularly as we know that the impact of online crime and scams can be devastating, often leading to a loss of confidence and a reluctance to use digital technology again.
So I’d urge any older person, or a family member or friend who may be supporting them to get online, to visit Get Safe Online to make sure they have the information they need to stay safe online.”
The Get Safe Online website – www.getsafeonline.org – provides a wide range of easy-to-understand guidance and information relating to online safety, as well as useful tips and updates on the latest scams to look out for.
#GetHelpStaySafe
Protecting and Safeguarding Older People
The Covid-19 pandemic has caused significant concern and disruption for us all. But for older people at risk of or experiencing abuse, and those who have been the victims of crime or targeted by criminals, the recent months will have been incredibly difficult. Many older people throughout Wales will have felt frightened, isolated and alone. That’s why we’ve come together with a simple message for older people in Wales: You are not alone. We’re here for you and we can help and support you. We’re working together to make sure that older people who may be at risk, and those who care for and care about them, have the information they need about the help and support available. We’re also working to raise awareness amongst the wider public about the role we can all play in helping to protect older people.
This pack provides a range of useful information and resources about keeping older people safe – including the ways we can identify older people who may be at risk, and contact details for key organisations that can provide crucial help and support.
Protecting and Safeguarding Older People Action Group – Covid-19 Information Pack
#GetHelpStaySafe #YouAreNotAlone
Mental Health Awareness Week
18-24th May 2020
Mental Health Awareness Week takes place from 18-24 May 2020 and is a chance for the UK to focus on mental health. This year’s theme is on the importance of ‘kindness’ and looking out for each other.
The focus on kindness is a response to the coronavirus outbreak, which is having a big impact on people’s mental health and many people are finding things hard emotionally.
Some people have mental health conditions like depression or anxiety, which means they have feelings that won’t go away and which start to really affect day-to-day life.
Looking after ourselves – and others – has never been more important.
Mark Rowland, chief executive of the Mental Health Foundation, said: “We want to use Mental Health Awareness Week to celebrate the thousands of acts of kindness that are so important to our mental health. And we want to start a discussion on the kind of society we want to shape as we emerge from this pandemic.”
For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week, please visit: https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/campaigns/mental-health-awareness-week
Further support and advice is available here on how to get help with your mental health and wellbeing.
Welsh Government: ‘Home shouldn’t be a place of fear’ campaign with a message to victims of domestic abuse: Support is available, you are not alone
The Deputy Minister and Chief Whip, Jane Hutt, today launched a new campaign to make sure victims and survivors of domestic abuse know they are not alone and that they can access support throughout the Coronavirus (Covid-19) outbreak and beyond.
Click here to access the Minister’s full press release.
The campaign encourages bystanders to recognise the signs of domestic abuse, and to seek support for those who are unable to get help themselves.
Getting help might be more difficult at the moment. However the campaign lets victims of violence and domestic abuse know that they are not alone, help and support is still available.
During the coronavirus lockdown, the number of domestic abuse homicides has increased. Social isolation has made it easier for abusers to control their victims, and more difficult for victims to seek help while they are under the scrutiny of their abusers.
A Bystander toolkit has also been developed by Welsh Women’s Aid, providing specific advice and information tailored for various members of the community from volunteers to employers as well as individuals, to effectively signpost and support survivors in getting help.
Welsh Government has also announced an online e-learning course to help you recognise the signs of domestic abuse, and understand how you can help.
If you are experiencing violence or abuse at home or you are concerned about someone, then help is available. The free, confidential Live Fear Free helpline 0808 80 10 800 is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can access support by text, email, live chat or phone.
If you or someone else is immediate danger, call the Police on 999
(for silent help dial 999 and then press 55 when you hear the operator). You don’t need to speak, the police will respond.
#LiveFearFree
CORONAVIRUS COVID-19
Help us safeguard our communities from abuse and neglect
Safeguarding Adults and Children at risk remains a priority throughout Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan and Safeguarding partners have been working to implement revised operating models which enable us to comply with Government advice and still provide a safeguarding service and response to the region.
The Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board are asking everyone within the region to look out for one another in order to help those who may be at risk of abuse and neglect. This is a message which applies at all times, but now more than ever, people at all ages need protection.
“We are currently experiencing unprecedented times as a result of Coronavirus, with social distancing and self-isolation being one of the key messages and advice being provided by Government.
“Whilst this will undoubtedly help with the prevention of the spread of the virus, unfortunately, this will also mean that children, young people and adults at risk within the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan areas may potentially be at an increased risk of abuse and neglect.
We ask everyone, that during these uncertain times, that you “please be vigilant and look out for friends, families and neighbours and if you see any signs at all that makes you think that they may be experiencing any type of harm, please report your concerns to your local safeguarding teams”.
If you have concerns about a child contact:
Intake and Family Support Team (Vale of Glamorgan):
01446 725 202
Out of Office Hours
Emergency Duty Team:
029 2078 8570
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
029 2053 6490
Out of Office Hours
Emergency Duty Team:
029 2078 8570
If you have concerns about an adult at risk:
Vale of Glamorgan Adult Services:
01446 700111
Out of Office Hours
02920 788570
Cardiff Adult Safeguarding:
02922 330888
Out of Office Hours
02920 788570