The well-being and safety of local people is our main concern, and we adopt a zero tolerance stance on the abuse, neglect or discrimination of any person but particularly people at risk or in vulnerable situations in whatever setting. There is good partnership working at the local level when concerns are raised and services work together effectively to ensure a co-ordinated approach.
If you are concerned that you or another adult is being neglected, harmed, or abused in any way, please do not ignore it. Any suspicion of abuse or neglect should be reported to Hampshire County Council Adults’ Health and Care.
Further information about contacting Hampshire County Council Adults’ Health and Care can be found on the:
Adults’ Health and Care help and support web page
- If you or someone else is in imminent danger, phone the police on 999, or call them on 101 if it is less urgent.
- If your request is urgent and you need support in the next 24 hours contact Adult Services on 0300 555 1386 opening times and ‘out of hours’ numbers are below.
- If your concern is not urgent then you can use one of the online forms below.
Online Forms
Telephone Services Opening Hampshire Adult Services
Please be aware, at busy times, there may be a wait for your call to be answered.
0300 555 1386 Out of hours 0300 5551373
Monday to Thursday 8.30am to 5pm Monday to Thursday 5pm to 8.30am
Friday 8.30am to 4.30pm Friday 4.30pm to Monday 8.30am
All day on Bank Holidays
What will happen next?
If you report concerns because you suspect that a vulnerable adult is being abused or you are being abused yourself:
- You will be listened to and your concerns will be taken seriously.
- Your concerns will be looked into fully and fairly.
- You will be involved in decision making and trained staff will work with you to stop the abuse and agree with you steps to protect you from further harm.
- You will get advice about the help and support available.
See more information here:
Further information and advice
HSAB has worked with partners to develop a range of publicity and information. It can be found on our Safeguarding Support page.
Other organisations that can help
Care Quality Commission (CQC)
If you are concerned about possible abuse or neglect in a residential, hospital or domiciliary care service, you can contact the CQC at enquiries@cqc.org.uk
Whistleblowing helpline
The national Whistleblowing Helpline provides free help and advice to people who witness or have cause to suspect wrong doing at work but are not sure whether or hoe to raise their concern. They can be contacted at 08000 724725
Organisations that provide advice, help and support
The following organisations can provide advice and support:
Hourglass (formerly Action on Elder Abuse)
Helpline 0808 808 8141
Age UK (previously known as Age Concern and Help the Aged)
- Age Concern Hampshire
Tel: 0800 328 7154 - Age UK Portsmouth
Tel: 023 9286 2121 - Age UK Southampton
Tel: 023 8036 8636
ACT supports the statutory, independent and voluntary sectors from across the UK to protect disabled children and vulnerable adults.
Carers Together offers a variety of services including; advocacy, help with filling in benefit forms, a personal support service in the home, planning for emergencies and applying for Direct Payments. Tel: 01794 579495 (office hours) CALL Helpline (Carers Active Listening Line) 0800 0323456
HCA is made up of care providers of residential, nursing, learning disability and mental health homes across Hampshire. Its goal is to ensure that care provision in Hampshire is of the highest standard and quality and that those requiring care receive it with dignity and compassion. Tel: 023 8025 5794 (for member advice)
On this website you will find information about rape and other forms of sexual violence, and details of your nearest Rape Crisis Centre if you are looking for support. There is also information for family and friends of sexual violence survivors, students and professionals. Freephone helpline: 0808 802 9999
Relative and Residents Association
This organisation exists to support and inform residents, families and friends to find out all they need to know about residential care and to help them if things go wrong. Additionally, they speak out on behalf of a sector who cannot always speak out for themselves. Helpline: 020 7359 8136
Respond works with children and adults with learning disabilities who have experienced abuse or trauma, as well as those who have abused others, through psychotherapy, advocacy, campaigning and other support. Respond also aims to prevent abuse by providing training, consultancy and research. Helpline: 0808 808 0700
Solicitors for the Elderly (SFE) is an independent, national organisation of lawyers, such as solicitors, barristers, and legal executives who provide specialist legal advice for older and vulnerable people, their families and carers.
The helpline is for adult men (18 and over) who have experienced childhood sexual abuse or adult sexual assault / rape, as well as their partners and carers. Helpline: 0845 122 1201
Victim Support is the independent charity supporting victims and witnesses of crime in England and Wales. Tel: 0845 3899 528 or contact shorehamvcu@victimsupport.org.uk
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