About safeguarding in Cumbria

Safeguarding adults means protecting a person who is over the age of 18. Safeguarding is about people and organisations working together.

In Cumbria, we want to reduce the risks of abuse or neglect happening and make sure the person's views, wishes, feelings and beliefs are a key part of deciding on any action. It is important that a person's wellbeing is promoted at all times.

'Abuse' is when someone does something to you that you do not like and you want to stop.

'Neglect' is when you are not being given the care and support that you need to live your life.

At National Safeguarding Adults Week 2021, Declan Frew, Social Worker in the Safeguarding Team, Adult Social Care explains what safeguarding adults is, the legislative framework, how to report concerns and how the team work with colleagues across partner agencies to protect adults at risk of abuse and neglect.

Watch Declan's talk at the National Safeguarding Adults Week 2021 - YouTube

Working together to safeguard adults

If you suspect or know that an adult with care and support needs is suffering abuse or neglect or is at risk of, you must report this as a safeguarding concern. 

If the person lives in Cumberland

If the person lives in Allerdale, Carlisle or Copeland, contact Cumberland Council.

Contact the Cumberland Single Point of Access (SPA) team

If the person lives in Westmorland and Furness

If the person lives in Barrow, Eden or South Lakeland, contact Westmorland and Furness.

Contact the Westmorland and Furness Single Point of Access (SPA) team

Working together to safeguard children

If you suspect or know that a child is suffering abuse or neglect or is at risk of, you must report this as a safeguarding concern. 

For concerns relating to a child who lives in the Cumberland area of Cumbria, which includes Allerdale, Carlisle and Copeland, you can find information about reporting a concern on the Cumberland Children's Partnership website.

For concerns relating to a child who lives in the Westmorland and Furness area of Cumbria, which includes Penrith, Eden and South Lakes, you can find information about reporting a concern on the Westmorland and Furness Children's Partnership website.

The Cumbria Safeguarding Children's partnership which is now two partnerships which are Cumberland and Westmorland and Furness, published the following briefing on working together to safeguard children and they recommend that professionals use the resources within the briefing with the children, young people and families that they work with, as appropriate.

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/UKCUMBERLAND/bulletins/3dffb4c