Organisations Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin have united to pledge to prevent adult abuse.

The Safeguarding Adults – Preventing Abuse in Shropshire and Telford & Wrekin Event, held at Oakengates Theatre Telford, was jointly led by Keeping Adults Safe in Shropshire Board (KASiSB) and Telford & Wrekin Safeguarding Adults Board (TWSAB) with support from Shropshire Partners in Care to promote the importance of preventing abuse of all adults with care and support needs.

Cllr Lee Chapman, Shropshire Council’s cabinet member for adult services, health and social housing said;

“Our joint safeguarding event was a brilliant success and a great opportunity for all partners to come together to recognise, learn and raise awareness on how we all as a community can help prevent adult abuse.

Professor Michael Preston-Shoot headlined the event, presenting best evidence for working with adults who self-neglect and Mental Capacity Act compliance learning from Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs).

More than 160 delegates attended the conference, which also included several workshops and information stands with a focus on preventing abuse and neglect.

The event also gave way to the launch of the Talking about Adult Safeguarding: My Enquiry and Safety Plan cards, which will be used with adults with care and support needs to support them to have safeguarding conversations outlining their thoughts, views and wishes.

It also explored best practice and evidence when working with adults who self-neglect as well as what learning from Safeguarding Adult Reviews (SARs) tells us about best practice for those who lack capacity.

Delegates also had the opportunity to find out more about how organisations work with adults who have difficulties with hoarding

Cllr Chapman added: “We hope our conference also sends a clear and robust message that we do not tolerate any form of adult abuse. We must all act to prevent or stop abuse to adults (particularly those who need extra help and support). I would ask if anyone is concerned about someone’s welfare that they report it immediately.”

The event was held to tie-in with World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, which is commemorated each year in June to highlight the often silent suffering of older people.

People across the world will voice their opposition to the abuse and neglect of older people.

Many of the attendees at the event wore purple, the theme colour to mark World Elder Abuse Day. The event also raised over £100 in donations from cake sales, for Action on Elder Abuse.

For more information about safeguarding in Shropshire, visit the Keeping Adults Safe in Shropshire Board website at: www.keepingadultssafeinshropshire.org.uk/).