Are you worried that an adult could be at risk of harm?

Adult Support and Protection Awareness Day: 20 February 2025

Residents across East Lothian and Midlothian are being asked to be alert to vulnerable adults in their communities who may be at risk of harm. Harm can take many forms, including financial, physical abuse, neglect, self-neglect, self-harm, emotional abuse, and gender-based violence. Risk of being harmed can be greater due to factors such as ill health, trauma and physical or mental health conditions.

It can happen anywhere - in someone’s home, where they work, or in a public place - and is often caused by the people closest to them. It can even happen in places responsible for keeping someone safe, such as a care home, hospital or day centre.

National Adult Support and Protection Day takes place on Thursday 20 February 2025.  East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee is urging everyone to report any concerns to ensure those in need can access support.

Keith Mackay, Chair of East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee, said:

“National Adult Support and Protection Day provides the opportunity to remind all of us that it is everyone’s responsibility to protect adults who may be at risk of harm. Neighbours, friends and family are the eyes and ears in their local community, and it is important to look out for someone who is vulnerable, frail and at risk of coming to harm. Sometimes someone does not realise they are at risk of or are being harmed.

“It can be difficult to know what to do when you’re worried about someone, and you might feel that you don’t want to interfere. However, reporting your concerns could really help to keep someone safe and turn their life around. 

“Everyone has a role to play in keeping those in their communities safe, so I would encourage anyone who has seen something that worries them to please say something.”

If you are worried that someone is at risk of harm or neglect from others - or harming or neglecting themselves – you can go to East Lothian and Midlothian Public Protection Committee’s website to find out more about who to contact www.emppc.co.uk

Our local focus this year is on self-harm. Support on self-harm can be accessed from Penumbra. The Self-Harm Network Scotland provides free compassionate support, resources, and information about self-harm – https://selfharmnetworkscotland.org.uk

If you are concerned about an adult living in East Lothian, you can refer your concerns to Social Work, phone East Lothian Council’s Contact Centre on 01875 824309.

If you are concerned about an adult living in Midlothian, you can refer your concerns to Social Work, phone the Social Work Contact Centre on 0131 271 3900.

Altenatively, you can contact the Police on 101 or call 999 if you believe the person is in immediate danger.