Help for Adults

There are many vulnerable adults living in our society and these can include:

• those with a mental health problem including dementia
• those with a physical or learning disability
• those with a sensory impairment
• those with a physical illness or an acquired brain injury
• those who is frail or experiencing a temporary illness
• those with drug or alcohol related problems

The individual may be living in their own home or a care home or be without a permanent home. In the vast majority of cases all is well, but sometimes a vulnerable adult might suffer abuse and will then need help.

Abuse can take several forms and include:

• physical abuse
• emotional abuse
• sexual abuse
• verbal abuse
• financial abuse
• neglect
• discrimination

The responsibility for the protection of vulnerable people rests with all of us and if you know or suspect that a vulnerable adult (18 years or over) may be suffering abuse of some form, you should use the links on this site to report the problem immediately so that action can be taken to investigate and deal with any problem.

If you believe you are yourself suffering from abuse, then you should tell someone you trust as soon as you can or use the links on this site to report the problem.

Alternatively, telephone the Care Line on 0800 137 915 during office hours to gain support and advice or if it is out of office hours there is an answerphone or you can ring the Emergency Duty Team on 01494 675802. If it is an emergency call the Police.

Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Board

In Buckinghamshire the co-ordinating role for safeguarding vulnerable adults rests with Buckinghamshire County Council within the Adult Social Care service. The County Council has established a Safeguarding Adults Board which co-ordinates multi-agency work in this area.

For more information regarding the Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults Policy and Guidance please download the documents below: