Across the city, day in and day out, voluntary organisations are keeping people safe from harm.
The worker at a lunch club who is concerned that an older client is being financially exploited by a neighbour; the volunteer at a community garden who notices another volunteer is out of sorts and has unexplained bruises; the volunteer at a foodbank who is suspicious of the intimidating partner who accompanies a client each week when she collects food but ensures she does not chat with anyone…
Every day voluntary organisations are working with people who may be at risk of harm. Through the trusting relationships we have with them, harm can be avoided – often through small actions or conversations that help people make changes, keep connections or seek help. It is these relationships, often built over years, that enable us to build the trust and knowledge that makes the difference.
Of course, there are times when the issues people face are beyond our scope – and that’s when we escalate things. Voluntary organisations may need to alert the Police or inform Social Care Direct or the NHS when things require a response from statutory services. By identifying people and situations that are not on the statutory radar we are again providing a vital role in early intervention and preventing crises.
Our partners – the City of Edinburgh Council, NHS Lothian and Police Scotland – recognise the valuable role that our sector plays and are keen to share information and resources that support us in this vital work.
The IRRIS Adult Support & Protection Hub ASP Resource Hub is a resource that has something of interest to staff and volunteers at all levels. You can search under categories or do a general search. It currently houses more than 100 ASP Resources. Please circulate among your teams and networks.
Also, the city’s Adult Support & Protection Committee has finalised interagency ASP procedures. It is important that local organisations are aware of these procedures, so please share with colleagues.
And finally, please ensure that your funders, whoever they are, are informed of the work you do that keeps your people safe from harm. It will likely be something that you do, on top of everything else and in addition to what you are actually funded for. Adult protection is everyone’s business.
