‘If you see or hear something that makes you worried about a person’s safety or welfare, say something’
Your role as a volunteer or employee means that you could see or hear something that means someone needs help as they are at risk or in danger. If you see or hear something then say something, do not keep it a secret.
CAS has developed and collected a range of helpful and relevant safeguarding resources and information below for your use. These resources are particularly related to the Covid-19 situation. A full range of other safeguarding resources can be found on the main safeguarding page.
If you have you seen or heard something and are worried about the safety or welfare of someone (adult(s) or child/ren) in Suffolk click here to go to the referral process that will tell you who to call.
If someone is in danger and is at an immediate risk of harm dial 999 and ask for the police, and if necessary call for an ambulance too.
Abuse is not normal. Every person’s wellbeing matters. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Children, young people and adults help make the communities we live in. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect, abuse and exploitation and other criminal behaviour such as scamming. We ask you to join us, and with our professional colleagues from the Police, Suffolk Health Services, Suffolk County Council, to prevent abuse from happening, protect those being abused and take action.
Watch the Suffolk Safeguarding Partnership short video above on raising awareness of safeguarding for children and vulnerable adults in our community, and find out what to do if you see something that just doesn’t feel quite right. The message is simple…see it, recognise it, report it.
CAS safeguarding guidance and resources for Community Groups (Covid-19 support)
New online training! ‘Keeping people safe and sound: A basic guide to safeguarding.
This new FREE 30 minute online learning session created by Community Action Suffolk is ideal for volunteers and pop up community groups supporting communities with shopping et c. as a result of Covid-19
Work through it at your own pace (about 30 minutes), it has short quizzes to check your learning, the ’A day to remember’ activity with situations that you could face and practical steps to take if you are worried about a persons safety/ welfare.
No images or distressing photos are used.
A safe introduction to safeguarding training at a time and place to suit you.
Remember, if you see or hear something, say something.
These straightforward free downloadable factsheets cover the following subjects:
Keeping safe & sound card Code of conduct COVID 19 responseThis short guide has practical tips to help keep you and the people your group supports safe and sound. You can print this off and pop it in your bag, pocket or wallet and keep it with you for reference. You can customise it to add the contact details for the Safeguarding Contact for your group
March 20 Top safeguarding basic safeguarding code tips presentation This 5-10 minute online presentation covers some simple guidance on safeguarding. Click through at your own pace.
Safeguarding Policy and Procedure march 20 short (1 page plus simple to follow flowchart)
This is a 1 page document with a simple to follow flowchart procedure to support local community groups put a simple safeguarding policy and process in place. If you see or hear something, say something. This policy and procedure will help you to do that.
Audio from Norfolk County Council Safeguarding, ‘See something, Hear something, Say something’ If you are worried about a child in Suffolk contact Suffolk Customer First or the police on 999 if it is an emergency
Updates and resources from external organisations
Scam awareness
Home But Not Alone
A new Suffolk-focused community service has been set up to support people who need help during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ‘Home But Not Alone’ service has been launched to help connect people who want to volunteer in their communities with neighbours who are most in need.
The telephone number for those in genuine need of help is freephone 0800 876 6926 and will be staffed from 9am to 5pm, seven days a week
Risk of Immediate Harm
Have you seen or heard something and are worried about the safety or welfare of someone (adult or child/ren) in Suffolk?
Is the child/ adult at risk of immediate harm?
Yes – If the person is at immediate risk of harm or needs medical attention call 999 to contact the ambulance service and/or the police and follow the advice given. As soon as possible (but within 24 hours) follow the reporting steps on the right.
No – Speak with the Safeguarding Lead for your Group.
If there is a safeguarding concern they will then either:
make a safeguarding referral initially by phone to Customer First on 0808 800 4005, or,
seek advice from the MASH (Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub) on what action to take next if they need guidance and inform you as appropriate.
MASH Professional Consultation Line on 03456 061 499 or via webchat: