Safeguarding adults in North Somerset

Safeguarding means protecting someone's right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. 

It involves people and organisations working together to prevent and stop that abuse or neglect. 

All safeguarding support will honour the feelings, beliefs and decisions of the person at risk.  

Protecting (safeguarding) people at risk of abuse and harm is everyone’s responsibility. 

If you see or know of someone who

• is experiencing abuse or neglect or;
• is at risk of abuse or neglect and;
• who is unable to protect themselves

Please contact us at our Adult Social Care Safeguarding Services to tell us. Contact details are on this page. 

Under the Care Act 2014, North Somerset Council has a legal duty to respond when an adult with care and support needs is: 

• experiencing or at risk of, abuse or neglect, and is;
• unable to protect themselves

Care and support needs may arise for people who are: 

• are frail due to age, ill health, physical disability or cognitive impairment, or a combination of these 
• have a learning disability 
• have a physical disability and/or a sensory impairment 
• have mental health needs, such as dementia  
• have a long-term illness/condition 
• suffer from alcohol or substance abuse 
• be unable to demonstrate ability to make decisions and are in need of support  

When we conduct a safeguarding ‘enquiry’, we work closely with

• the person at risk
• our partners (such as the police)
• those in the person’s support network

We work to understand what matters to them. 

We then agree a plan which helps keep the person at risk as safe as possible. This will take into account their wishes, feelings and desired outcomes.