With the Coronavirus pandemic continuing community groups and volunteers are crucial in supporting adults at risk. With that in mind if you are volunteering in your local community or you are overseeing volunteers it is important that you safeguard yourself and others from harm and abuse.
The Government has produced a factsheet designed to address specific concerns that people involved in supporting their community may have at this time.
| If you are looking for a way to help people in your local community right now the British Red Cross say that little acts of kindness are important, now more than ever, and really do go a long way in times of crisis.
· Keep in touch regularly with family, friends and neighbours – a quick chat on the phone or a message on social media will raise their spirits and yours. · If you can, be the eyes and ears of your community (but keep that social distance!) by checking on people who may be vulnerable or isolated and finding out what they might need – can you pick up shopping or medicines safely and leave them where they can access them? · No one needs trolley loads of toilet roll! Only buy what you need so that there is enough for everyone, especially for those who can’t afford to buy ahead. · Do look after yourself – eating, sleeping and exercising safely (even indoors) will help keep you well and more able to support others. Waltham Forest Council have produced a video on safeguarding for individuals who are volunteering to support their communities, which you can watch here. It tells you more about the types of abuse that occur and what to look for. Remember, if you have a safeguarding concern about a vulnerable adult in Brighton and Hove, please contact Health and Adult Social Care If you have concerns about a child or family living in Brighton and Hove, please contact Families, Children and Learning.
If you see something, say something.
|
