Raising a Concern 

If the person you are concerned about is over the age of 18 years of age, has care and support needs, and you feel they are being abused or at risk of abuse from another person, you can seek help for them. It is important to try and seek help and advice at the earliest opportunity, to try and prevent things from getting worse. 

You may be unsure if your concerns are of a safeguarding nature, that is okay, the contact centre team will be able to advise of the correct course of action if any is required.

You can seek advice or report a concern about abuse or neglect by calling Sefton Council Adult Social Care Contact Centre on 0345 140 0845.                                 

Further Information can be found on Sefton Council Webpage - Raise a Concern.

Are you a Professional wanting to report a concern?

• You can make a referral via the Sefton Portal. Guidance on how to use the Portal can be found here.
• In an emergency, please contact the Police: 999. If the person is not in immediate danger, contact the Police: 101.
• People who are deaf are able to report an emergency via 999 BSL app.
• If you have an allegation or concern about an individual who works or volunteers with children or adults with care and support needs then please follow the guidance available here: Practice Guidance for Managing Concerns and Allegations around Person in Position of Trust with Adults who have Care and Support Needs

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

It is important that you involve the person at risk in decisions about reporting a safeguarding concern where possible. Sometimes this may not be possible and you may need to act in their 'best interests' because they do not have the mental capacity to decide this for themselves. There are also occasions when you may need to report the concern without their permission, for example, it is in their vital interests, or other people are also at risk, or the person is unable to consent because of coercion or duress.

Dealing with allegations or concerns about abuse can be very difficult and distressing for all involved. Deciding what the right thing to do is can be stressful, particularly if the person you are concerned about is reluctant to accept support or someone close to you.  If you are not sure what to do you can always seek advice by contacting Sefton Council Adult Social Care Contact Centre Team on 0345 140 0845.

You can find out more about the process of raising a concern, questions you may be asked and what will happen next - here.