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Safeguarding Adults in Bury

How to Raise Concerns and Get Support

Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of adults with care and support needs is a top priority in Bury. Everyone has a role in protecting vulnerable adults. This page explains how to raise concerns, what safeguarding means, and where to find help.

How to Raise Concerns About an Adult’s Safety or Wellbeing in Bury

If you are worried that an adult with care and support needs is being abused, neglected, or is at risk of harm, you should act as soon as possible. You do not need proof—if you are concerned, it is always better to report it.

What to do:

  • If someone is in immediate danger or a crime is being committed: Call 999 for emergency services.
  • If it is not an emergency:
  • Contact Bury Adult Social Care to report your concern.
  • Phone: 0161 253 5151 (Monday–Friday, 9am–5pm)
  • Out of hours: 0161 253 6606
  • Email: adultcareservices@bury.gov.uk
  • You can also contact the Bury Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) for advice and support.
  • Professionals and care workers:
  • Follow your organisation’s safeguarding procedures and speak to your designated safeguarding lead.
  • Complete the Bury Safeguarding Adults Concern Form if required.
  • If you are a carer or family member:
  • You can raise concerns directly with Adult Social Care or ask for advice from the Bury Safeguarding Partnership.

You can report concerns anonymously if you wish. All concerns are taken seriously and treated confidentially.

What is Safeguarding Adults?

Safeguarding adults means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It involves people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while making sure the adult’s wellbeing is promoted and their views and wishes are respected.

Who is protected by adult safeguarding?

  • Any adult (aged 18 or over) who:
  • Has care and support needs (whether or not they are receiving services)
  • Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
  • Is unable to protect themselves because of their needs

Types of abuse can include:

  • Physical (e.g. hitting, slapping, misuse of medication)
  • Emotional or psychological (e.g. threats, intimidation)
  • Financial or material (e.g. theft, fraud, misuse of money)
  • Sexual (e.g. sexual assault, inappropriate touching)
  • Neglect and acts of omission (e.g. ignoring medical needs, withholding food)
  • Discriminatory (e.g. harassment based on race, gender, disability)
  • Organisational (e.g. poor care in a care home or hospital)
  • Self-neglect (e.g. not caring for personal hygiene or health)

Abuse can happen anywhere—at home, in care settings, in public, or online. The abuser could be anyone: a relative, carer, friend, professional, or stranger.

What Happens After You Raise a Concern?

  • The safeguarding team will listen to your concerns and gather information.
  • They will assess the situation and, if necessary, take immediate action to ensure the person’s safety.
  • The adult’s wishes and views will be central to any decisions made.
  • If a crime is suspected, the police may be involved.
  • The process is confidential, and you will be kept informed as appropriate.

Further Information and Support

  • Bury Safeguarding Partnership: Visit the [Bury Safeguarding Partnership website] for detailed guidance, resources, and referral forms.
  • The Bury Directory: Find up-to-date information and links to safeguarding services and support.
  • Bury Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH): Offers advice and support for anyone with safeguarding concerns.

Remember: If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of an adult with care and support needs in Bury, do not hesitate to raise your concerns. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.

For more information, visit the Bury Safeguarding Partnership website or contact Bury Adult Social Care directly.