HSE South West highlights everybody's right to be safe from harm on Adult Safeguarding Day

HSE South West is encouraging members of the public, healthcare staff, families, and carers to learn more about adult safeguarding and the supports available on Adult Safeguarding Day on Friday, 6 November.

This year's theme, 'It is Everybody's Right to be Safe from Harm,' highlights every adult's right to live safely and free from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm while maintaining dignity, independence, and choice.

Adult safeguarding concerns can arise in any setting and may involve physical, psychological, sexual, or financial abuse, as well as neglect.

Kevin Collins, Principal Social Worker with the Adult Safeguarding and Protection Team, HSE South West, said:

"Every adult has the right to feel safe, valued and protected, particularly those who may be at greater risk of abuse or neglect. Safeguarding is about respecting people's rights, listening to their wishes and supporting them to live with dignity, independence, and choice. At the heart of adult safeguarding is the individual. Their rights, wishes, choices and individual circumstances must guide every safeguarding response. It is about supporting people to have a voice, make their own decisions, maintain their independence, and maintain control over their own lives, while ensuring they are treated with dignity, respect and compassion. Safeguarding should empower people, not take away their choices or independence. Adult Safeguarding Day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness and remind people that support is available when concerns arise."

As part of the awareness campaign, HSE South West will share information across its social media channels, including a video featuring local safeguarding staff with Irish Sign Language (ISL) accessibility.

Safeguarding is everybody's responsibility. Anyone with concerns regarding the abuse of a vulnerable adult by another person can contact the HSE South West Safeguarding and Protection Team on 021 4927550 or 1800 225 500, Monday to Friday.

Further information is available at www.hse.ie/safeguarding.