Victim Support’s Safe Spaces Service

You may be aware of a new support service for adult victims of church abuse, both historic and recent, launched last year by the Church of England and the Catholic Church of England and Wales.

The  briefing paper attached below has been produced, together with leaflets and posters, giving information on this service. Please note that although the title of the leaflets show Church of England, the service also includes the Catholic Church in England and Wales and the Church in Wales.

Please distribute this information though your organisations to help raise awareness of this national service.

If you have any queries, you can contact the service on 0300 303 1056 or through email on safespaces@victimsupport.org.uk

 

PDF icon Safe Spaces Briefing Paper

PDF icon Safe Spaces 3-way Leaflet

PDF icon Safe Spaces Poster

PDF icon Safe Spaces Tear Off Poster

PDF icon Safe Spaces A5 Leaflets

Liberty Protection Safeguards: delay to implementation

Update as of 17 Dec 21

The Department of Health and Social Care has written to the Liberty Protection Safeguards (LPS) national steering group to announce that the aim to implement the LPS by April 2022 cannot be met. The LPS were due to be implemented by April 2022, but this aim is now unfeasible. The letter that sets out the reasons for the delay can be found here:  Liberty Protection Safeguards: delay to implementation – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

Do you know where to find local information about domestic abuse?

Did you know that the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership (HDAP) has a website with a wealth of information about domestic abuse and some of the services that are available locally in Hampshire?

There is information for the public about how to seek help and who to call for support – not only for people living with domestic abuse, but also for their children and for people being abusive.

There is also a wealth of information to support professionals working with families.  The HDAP website holds information on a range of topics such as:

  • Risk assessment, safety planning and referral pathways
  • MARAC and HRDA processes (and how to refer)
  • Domestic Homicide Reviews
  • The Domestic Abuse Act 2021
  • Training and events for professionals
  • Research and resources
  • The Hampshire Domestic Abuse Partnership Board
  • Workplace policies and support for employees
  • White Ribbon Day and the 16 Days of Action
  • Key contacts

 

If in doubt about how to find out the right information,  go to the HDAP web pages or call the Hampshire Domestic Abuse Advice Line on 03300 165 112.

Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board – Publication of Safeguarding Adults Review ‘YL’

The Portsmouth Safeguarding Adults Board (PSAB) has just published a Safeguarding Adults Review of the case of ‘YL’. The review report and a summary for professionals is available on the PSAB website here.

 

A statement from the chair of the PSAB, David Goosey:

“This review was commissioned following the tragic death of YL, a daughter, granddaughter and a mother to a young child.

“It concludes that, although the death was not linked to abuse or neglect, there are lessons to be learned, including how services in the city can work together more effectively to support adults with complex mental health conditions and their families. “Many improvements have already been made and an action plan is being put in place to address other lessons identified.

“We offer our deepest sympathies to the family of YL and others who knew her.”

 

Please share the information about the review with your colleagues and encourage staff to read the summary and consider how they can incorporate the learning into their future practice.

HSAB Board Managers’s blog – October 2021

PDF icon  HSAB Board Manager’s blog – October 2021

This is the first ever edition of the Hampshire Safeguarding Adult’s Board Manager’s Blog.

The Blog is aimed at both professionals and the general public and its purpose is to share important updates on Adult Safeguarding as well as awareness raising of what we’re doing as a Safeguarding Board.

This edition contains information on:

  • Our strategic priorities 2021 – 2024
  • Our Business Plan 2021 – 2024
  • Adult Safeguarding Week 2021

HSAB Vicky Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR)

The Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board (HSAB) has today published a Safeguarding Adults Review that provides an insight into the circumstances of Vicky who lived with a difficult combination of challenges, having developed epilepsy when she was eighteen and later in later life developing mental health and substance misuse issues.  Vicky also became homeless towards the end of her life and very sadly Vicky died on her own, in Bed and Breakfast accommodation. Her death was not directly linked to abuse or neglect, but the HSAB felt that there were important areas of learning about how the local systems responded to Vicky’s circumstances and so this discretionary SAR was commissioned.

 

The key areas of systemic learning that are explored in the review include:

 

  • working with adults who are ambivalent about engaging with services,
  • managing safeguarding in situations of long-term chronic risk,
  • considering issues of mental capacity assessment and the value of multi-agency input to the assessment process,
  • the commissioning challenges related to providing support packages to homeless adults who are eligible for support and
  • the importance of effective communication between primary and secondary health teams particularly when an adult is needing to manage multiple issues such as mental health concerns and epilepsy.

 

The full report and Learning summary can be found here:

Vicky (September 2021) | Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board (hampshiresab.org.uk)

HSAB Annual Report 2020 – 2021

We are pleased to announce that the Hampshire Safeguarding Adult Board (HSAB) Annual Report 2020/21 has now been published and can be viewed via the HSAB website here:

HSAB Annual Report 2020 – 2021

Please share the link to the report widely within your organisation, including any internal safeguarding committees and governance boards to ensure they are sighted on the strategic priorities agreed by the HSAB.

Thank you.

Introducing the 4LSAB Multi-Agency Fire Safety Framework

Introducing the 4LSAB Multi-Agency Fire Safety Framework

The Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board are pleased to announce the launch of the   4LSAB – Local Safeguarding Adult Boards – Multi-Agency Fire Safety Framework).

The Multi-Agency Fire Safety Framework has been developed to provide all frontline staff and other professionals who are responsible for delivering care and support services with support and guidance for the effective management of fire risks within the home or residential setting.

This tool will help to provide an awareness of:

  • The key risk factors for individuals who have an increased vulnerability towards fire.
  • An understanding of the impact this vulnerability to fire can have on the individual, neighbouring occupants or other residents.
  • The early interventions and control measures available to ensure such risks can be managed in the most effective way.

Please visit the Hampshire and IOW Fire and Rescue Service to watch the launch video on the framework:

Multi-Agency Fire Safety Framework – Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service, Official website of Hampshire & Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service (hantsfire.gov.uk)

Supporting people living with dementia through safeguarding processes

Guidance from the Department of Health and Social Care on supporting people living with dementia to be involved in Adult Safeguarding Enquires has just been published.  This is available from the Gov website here: Supporting people living with dementia through safeguarding processes – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

This guidance has also been included within the HSAB website here:

Guidance for people with dementia on safeguarding enquiries

Anti-Slavery Day 2021

Today marks Anti-Slavery Day – an opportunity to raise awareness of human trafficking and modern slavery.  The HSAB will be using its social media accounts to raise awareness throughout the day. There are a number of key resources to be highlighted that you can access from the HSAB website relating to Modern Slavery which we encourage you to share within your organisations:

4LSAB Guidance on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking  – 4LSAB Multi-Agency Guidance on Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking (hampshiresab.org.uk)

Modern Slavery Presentation –  the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership has developed the following presentation to raise awareness and understanding of modern slavery. https://www.hampshiresab.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/Modern-Slavery.pptx

The National Referral Mechanism (NRM) is a framework for identifying and referring potential victims of modern slavery and ensuring they receive the appropriate support.  Guidance here:  National referral mechanism guidance: adult (England and Wales) – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

The Hampshire and Isle of Wight Modern Slavery Partnership has created the first ever victim pathway for modern slavery covering Hampshire, IOW, Portsmouth and Southampton. Please use this link to view the pan Hampshire Modern Slavery Victim Pathway: Modern slavery victim pathway created to assist fast access of support to victims – Hampshire Police and Crime Commissioner (hampshire-pcc.gov.uk)

The Open-University offer free Open Learn E-Learning training on Modern Slavery. This course is designed to develop an understanding of the international system of human rights protection in relation to modern slavery, but also encourage an appreciation of the influence of International Human Rights Law on the development of the domestic system of human rights protection. Available from here:  Modern Slavery | Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board (hampshiresab.org.uk)

National Inclusion Week 2021

Today, 27th September 2021, first day of National Inclusion Week, Hampshire County Council has announced the launch of its new Inclusion Strategy.

The County Council believes that the more diverse and inclusive an organisation is, the more effective it can become.  For the County Council to deliver the best from its services, embracing inclusion and diversity must be among its core values and activities.  It believes its success comes from using its diversity to work together positively, to learn from each other, to share ideas and to build on each other’s experiences for the good of Hampshire residents and for its staff.

Its new Inclusion Strategy is now available to read online and in other formats, on request.

This strategy sets out the County Council’s ambitions and plans for greater inclusivity across all areas of its work, serving the people of Hampshire.

The strategy can be summed up by the acronym “INCLUDE”:

  • Continuously IMPROVE its systems and processes to support the diverse needs of its staff and service users.
  • Work with its NETWORKS and partners, both internally and externally to understand lived experiences and support improvements for the future.
  • Develop its CULTURE so that the lived experience of staff and service users aligns to its values and beliefs.
  • LEARN and develop, both in terms of new skills and new understanding, to better enable it to learn from its mistakes and improve things for the future.
  • Seek to UNDERSTAND the needs and experiences of those it employs and those it serves.
  • Use DATA-led insight to monitor its progress and to develop its systems and processes for the future.
  • Regularly ENGAGE both formally and informally with its staff and service users.

The County Council has a short animation available for you to view which aims to support its overall awareness and understanding of the “INCLUDE” acronym and what it means.

 

Inclusive Employers

Inclusive Employers can be contacted here: Contact Us (inclusiveemployers.co.uk) Their website has all the resources you need to plan Inclusion Week in your organisation.  You can access these here: National Inclusion Week 2021 Toolkit.  Inclusive Employers will also be developing new resources and so please check their website for new information as it becomes available.

 

Hampshire Libraries

How are libraries inclusive?

Libraries are a place for the community.  For all people, from all walks of life to come together to learn, read and have access to resources.  Libraries are a safe space where someone can visit without question, borrow books and so much more!

Libraries also hold stock that is inclusive to all.   They have audiobooks in CD, playaway and electronic format and its eAudiobooks can be slowed down or sped up to make sure everyone can enjoy them.

They have large print books, which are books with larger than average font and Quick Reads, books condensed into a few chapters with slightly larger font, making them perfect for those who struggle finding the time to read, struggle remembering long stories or just want a condensed version of a book.

Sasha Safeguarding Adult Review Learning Summary – March 2021

To build on the work already undertaken by partners since publication of the Sasha SAR in May 2020, the HSAB has developed the briefing  linked below which specifically addresses learning relating to the understanding and application of Mental Health Act and Mental Capacity Act specifically where a person is presenting with severe self-harm and suicide behaviour and is refusing treatment:

SAR Learning Point 6: The Provisions of the Mental Health Act should be applied robustly in order to ensure safety and treatment. This will prevent confusion as to the status of a detained person as well as clarity regarding use of the Mental Health Act and/or Mental Capacity Act.

SAR Learning Point 7: Mental Capacity needs careful and robust assessment where a person is presenting with severe self-harm and suicide behaviour and is refusing treatment.

SAR Learning Point 8: Advance decisions should always attract questions and seeking of legal advice in cases of self-harm and suicidal behaviour.

This briefing is intended as a useful tool to support and guide for staff working in this particularly complex and challenging area of practice.

 Sasha Safeguarding Adult Review – Learning Summary

Domestic Abuse Bill – Committee Stage

February has seen the completion of the Committee Stage of the Domestic Abuse Bill in the House of Lords.

Key amendments proposed by peers this month included those raised to:

  • give powers of entry to registered social workers where there is suspected abuse of adults at risk
  • place a duty on Local Authorities to report suspected abuse when they conduct financial assessments for adult social care
  • make sure that controlling or coercive behaviour carried out by a relative, is an offense irrespective of if the relative lives with the victim
  • clarify certain wording contained within the Bill.

The Domestic Abuse Bill will now move to the report stage, which gives all members of the Lords a further opportunity to examine and make amendments to the Bill.

Hampshire Safeguarding Childrens Partnership – New Virtual Learning Programme 2021-22

The Hampshire Safeguarding Children Partnership (HSCP) has announced the launch of its Virtual Multi-agency Learning Platform programme for 2021-22; free online training to all professionals working with children and families who live in the Hampshire Local Authority area.

The Virtual Learning Platform, consisting of virtual courses, Webinar Wednesdays, and e-learning materials, was developed last year in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure professionals could continue accessing safeguarding training following the suspension of face-to-face learning.

Since its inception, the virtual training has gone from strength to strength, having had over 3,000 Hampshire delegates attend just the HSCP’s Webinar Wednesdays alone. Feedback received has been positive on the variety of courses offered and accessibility.

This year’s programme will see a repeat of the most popular courses such as An Introduction to Safeguarding Infants, Neglect, and Harmful Cultural Practices, as well as the introduction of new safeguarding themes, including:

  • An Introduction to Keeping Children Safe Online
  • An Introduction to Safeguarding Children with Disabilities (including Learning Disabilities)
  • Working with families with No Recourse to Public Funding
  • New Domestic Abuse themed webinars

To browse the full range of courses for 2021-22 and book your free place, visit the HSCP’s events website now.

If you have any queries regarding this training, please contact the HSCP Events team on hscpevents@hants.gov.uk

4LSAB Multi-Agency Risk Management Framework Podcast

The HSAB has published a Podcast on the 4LSAB Multi-Agency Risk Management Framework. The Podcast provides an overview of the MARM Framework and explains how the process can be applied in practice.  Please visit the HSAB Learning Zone to view the Podcast:

HSAB Learning Zone – e-Learning and Podcasts

The MARM Framework can be found on the HSAB website: Multi-Agency Risk Management Framework (MARM) 2020

HSAB Learning and Development Programme – Safeguarding in Transition open for bookings

The  Safeguarding in Transition Workshop  is now open for bookings.

This workshop will provide participants with an introduction to Transitional Safeguarding exploring key issues and themes relating to this challenging area of practice. As well as raising awareness and understanding of national developments and emerging themes the workshop will provide an opportunity for participants to think collaboratively about best practice in transitional safeguarding work. Participants will have an opportunity to discuss the key issues and challenges they experience in safeguarding adolescents and young adults, as well as their successes.

Got to the Eventbrite web page to make your booking.

Visit our  HSAB website news page and social media below for further updates.

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Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board Learning and Development Programme 2021/22 now published

The Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Learning and Development Programme 2021/22 has now been published. Details of courses available, and how to book a place, can be found on the browse and book courses page of the HSAB website at  Browse & Book Courses.  A number of dates are still being finalised, but once confirmed will go live on our Eventbrite page. Please watch our website news page and social media for further updates.

 

The HSAB training programme is fully funded by the HSAB and free to attendees.. It can be accessed by all partner agencies. Places must be booked in advance via Eventbrite and only one place can be booked per person using a workplace email address.  All cancellations or changes to bookings must be sent in writing to the hsab@hants.gov.uk. Failure to attend without providing an apology may result in you not being able to book on future courses.