Safeguarding

We want everyone who lives our homes to feel safe and protected. Safeguarding means keeping people free from abuse and neglect and applies to children, young people and adults at risk (aged 18+ with care and support needs). If you’re worried about someone’s safety, raising your concern could make all the difference.

What is a safeguarding concern

A safeguarding concern is any sign that someone may be at risk of harm, abuse or neglect. You do not need to be certain; it’s better to report what you’ve noticed so a safeguarding professional can assess the situation.

Safeguarding concerns can come in many forms, signs to look out for

 

Physical abuse

 

Injuries with no clear explanation; such as frequent injuries or unexplained falls

Changes in behaviour when certain people are present

Signs of malnutrition

 

 

Domestic abuse*

 

Visible injuries such as bruises, cuts,

Verbal abuse or humiliation, especially in front of others

Damage to the home or belongings

Controlling behaviour, such as limiting access to money or isolating someone from friends and family

 

 

Sexual abuse

 

Bruising

Difficulty walking or sitting; changes in sexual behaviour or language

Fear of help with personal or intimate care

 

 

Emotional abuse

 

Withdrawal, sudden changes in mood or psychological state

Sleep problems, appetite changes or weight loss/gain

 

 

Financial or material abuse

 

Unexplained lack of money or missing possessions

Someone else managing shopping but not providing receipts

 

 

Neglect or 

self-neglect

 

 

Dirty or unhygienic living conditions; poor personal hygiene

Inadequate clothing or refusal/unwillingness to take medication

 

 

Modern slavery

 

Signs of coercion or control; restricted movement or isolation

Abusive working or living conditions; excessive unpaid work

Fearful or distrustful of authorities

 

*For more details on domestic abuse please click here

Reporting your concerns

If someone is in immediate danger call the emergency services on 999.

If there is no immediate danger contact your local authority safeguarding team so they can assess and act as needed. For Maidenhead:

  • Local authority safeguarding team: 01628 683744 (office hours)
  • Emergency Duty Team (outside office hours): 01344 351999

If the person is a Housing Solutions resident, you can also tell us:

  • Email: safeguarding@housingsolutions.co.uk
  • Call our customer service team: 01628 543101

Helpful information to include when you report

  • Name and address of the person you are worried about
  • What you have seen or heard and when it happened
  • Who you think may be causing harm (if known)
  • Any immediate danger or if medical help is needed
  • Your contact details (you can ask to remain anonymous)

What we will do when you report a concern

  • Take your concern seriously and act quickly to assess the risk
  • Share information only with those who need to know to protect the person at risk
  • Work with local safeguarding partners and, where appropriate, the police or other services
  • Keep you informed about next steps where it is appropriate and safe to do so

Confidentiality and consent

We handle reports sensitively and follow legal and safeguarding guidance about sharing information. If someone is at immediate risk, we may need to share details with partner organisations even if the person does not give consent.