Safeguarding – Speak Up
Safeguarding means protecting the rights of an adult or child to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
As a responsible landlord, the safety of our customers is our priority. We want to make sure that you know how to get help and advice if you’re worried about a possible safeguarding problem in your neighbourhood.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding means protecting the rights of an adult or child to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. Abuse and neglect can take a lot of different forms:
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Psychological abuse
- Financial abuse
- Discriminatory abuse
- Neglect
- Human trafficking
- Modern slavery
Where can abuse and neglect take place?
Abuse and neglect can occur anywhere: in the home or a public place, while the person is in hospital, a care home or attending a day centre.
Are you worried about a friend or neighbour?
It is often difficult to identify abuse or neglect but if you have any concerns, always Speak Up.
It’s easy to talk through a potential safeguarding concern. Just contact the local Safeguarding Board and they will take it from there.
How do I report a safeguarding concern in Staffordshire?
Vulnerable adult safeguarding
Phone: 0345 604 2719
Email: VAStaffordshire@staffordshire.gov.uk
Website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Advice-support-and-care-for-adults/reportabuse.aspx
Child safeguarding
Phone: 0800 131 3126
Email: firstr@staffordshire.gov.uk
Website: www.staffordshire.gov.uk/Care-for-children-and-families/Childprotection/ChildProtection.aspx
Or the NSPCC: 0800 800 5000
Emergency Duty Team
Phone: 0345 604 2886
If you believe that there is a risk of immediate danger, call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
How do I report a safeguarding concern in Shropshire?
Vulnerable adult safeguarding
Phone: 0345 678 9044
Email: firstpointofcontact@shropshire.gov.uk
Website: www.shropshire.gov.uk/shropshire-choices/i-need-help/keeping-adults-safe/
Child safeguarding
Phone: Initial Contact Team on 0345 678 9021.
Or the NSPCC: 0800 800 5000
Website: www.shropshire.gov.uk/childrens-social-care-and-health/do-you-think-a-child-is-being-harmed-or-is-at-risk/
Emergency Duty Team
Phone: 0345 678 9040 (select option 1)
If you believe that there is a risk of immediate danger please call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
How do I report a safeguarding concern in Telford & Wrekin?
Vulnerable adult safeguarding
Phone: 01952 385385 when prompted please select option 3 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm)
Emergency duty phone: 01952 676500 (Monday to Sunday after 5pm)
Website: www.telford.gov.uk/info/20086/adult_social_care_asc/3682/adult_safeguarding/2
Child safeguarding
Phone: 01952 385385 (Monday to Friday from 9am – 5pm)
Emergency duty phone: 01952 676500 (Monday to Sunday after 5pm)
Website: www.telford.gov.uk/info/20438/safeguarding_children
To report a safeguarding concern online, please click here.
Or the NSPCC: 0800 800 5000
If you believe that there is a risk of immediate danger, call the police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.
Make a stand
Help tackle abuse and neglect
Homes Plus is proud to be part of a national campaign to help tackle domestic abuse in our communities across Staffordshire and Shropshire.
The Make a Stand campaign centres around a pledge which has been developed by the Chartered Institute of Housing in partnership with Women’s Aid and the Domestic Abuse Housing Alliance (DAHA).
It consists of four commitments for housing organisations to support people living or working in social housing who are experiencing domestic abuse.
Our four commitments
The four commitments are:
- To have a policy to support residents who are experiencing domestic abuse.
- To make information about domestic abuse support services available to residents and staff.
- To support members of staff who are experiencing domestic abuse.
- To appoint a champion in the organisation responsible for our Make a Stand activity.
Support services
Below is a list of national support services. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 999.
- National Domestic Violence Helpline: Run by Women’s Aid and Refuge. Call 0808 2000 247
- Women’s Aid: For a full A-Z list of local support groups, visit womensaid.org.uk
- Refuge: For support and advice, literature and articles, visit refuge.org.uk
- Men’s Advice Line: Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse. Call 0808 801 0327
- Mankind Initiative: Confidential support for male victims of domestic abuse. Call 01823 334 244
- Neighbourhood Watch: To find your local branch, visit www.ourwatch.org.uk
- Galop: Support for LGBTQ+ people experiencing domestic abuse. Call 0800 999 5428
- The Forced Marriage Unit: Forced marriage and/or honour crimes. Call 020 7008 0151
- Respect: Concerned about your own abusive behaviour? Call 0808 802 4040
To find out more, please see our Group safeguarding policy.