New Reform Tackles Elder Abuse

Reporter: Ask Bury
Date online: 21 February 2008

When people talk about safeguarding adults from abuse they automatically think of elderly people, but it is a much more widespread issue and can affect anyone over the age of 18.

Some adults could be exploited or vulnerable because of a learning, physical disability or mental health problem.
 
Agencies in Bury have created a zero tolerance policy on how to recognise, report, investigate and protect vulnerable adults from abuse and neglect.
 
Bury Council has joined forces with the Police, PCT and the community and Voluntary Sector to produce the 'Safeguarding Adults Policy and Guidance'  which will make sure that all of these agencies work in partnership with each other to make sure that vulnerable adults are safeguarded against abuse.

The official launch of the new policy was held at the Town Hall on January 25 and was attended by partners from Probation Service, Police, Six Town Housing, Bury PCT, Pennine Acute Hospital NHS Trust and Pennine Care NHS Trust. It was opened by Cllr Beverley Sullivan, Executive member for Health and Well Being and guest speakers included Assistant Director of Adult Care Services, Tony Pounder, the Chief Superintendent of Police, Jon Rush and the Deputy Chief Executive of Bury PCT, Ann Coats.

If you are concerned about a vulnerable adult and would like to make a referral please contact the referrals team on: 0161 253 7190 .