Safeguarding Information for Volunteers
During the coronavirus pandemic, it is particularly important to safeguard adults with care and support needs.
GSAB have put together this page to provide volunteers with information and resources in relation to safeguarding adults during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. We will continue to update this page with the most up to date information and guidance to help keep those adults most at risk safe.
National statistics show high incidence of abuse where the abuser is a family member or the paid care provider. Those living alone in the community, now isolated to an even greater degree, may be a particular target.
Helpful Safeguarding Information for Volunteers can be accessed by clicking the image below:
What can you do to help safeguard adults with care and support needs?
As a volunteer, you are the eyes and ears that may first pick up any signs of abuse. Here is a checklist of things you can do:
- Talk to your patients, residents or clients about the increased risk of abuse at this time.
- Be aware that any changes in behaviour or demeanour could indicate abuse.
- Advise people not to answer the door to strangers – and be aware of fake ID.
- Try not to alarm people but ask them to be wary of offers to help, particularly from strangers.
- Advise people to check with family, friends or paid support that offers of support, advice and help are legitimate.
- Warn people against responding to any text, email or phone call from an unidentified source. Explain that fraudsters will imitate official bodies such as the government or the NHS - and they do it very well!
- Advise people that they should never give their personal data, passwords or pin numbers to anyone. Official financial bodies and other organisations will never ask for them.
- If you know of a person who has been subjected to, or is at risk of, domestic abuse – if it is safe to talk to them. Make sure they know that help is available if they need it and who to contact both for advice and support and in an emergency.
If you are concerned about an adult at risk, contact GSAB
Further information, training and support for volunteers
- If you are interested incoming a volunteer click here for further information.
- Safeguarding for volunteers information leaflet
- What is abuse or neglect leaflet
- Watch this Safeguarding animation for an awareness of safeguarding.The animation helps viewers identify the various different forms of abuse and spot the signs that it may be happening.