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Orkney welcomes first national adult protection day

Date: 20 February 2018

Time: 09:02

Ten years after implementation of the Adult Support and Protection Act in Scotland, local partners have issued an upbeat statement about the progress made in Orkney.

Speaking on national adult protection day (Tuesday 20 February), Anne Mathison, Adult Protection Lead for Orkney Health and Care, said: “Last year referrals made in Orkney covered a wide range of issues, with reports of vulnerable people being sexually, financially and physically abused.

“Our close knit and caring community can be a protective factor, but we are never complacent and we need everyone to be alert to make sure that people being affected by abuse are not missed - they need our support and help.”

Chief Inspector Matt Webb, Police Scotland Area Commander for Orkney, said: “In the last decade, partnership working amongst Police Scotland, NHS Orkney and Orkney Islands Council has developed and strengthened working relationships.

"Local initiatives, including innovative work with Trading Standards and financial institutions, has contributed in keeping people safe from financial harm. We also work with the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service to identify and protect those members of our communities at risk of harm.

"In the coming years I look forward to continuing partnership cooperation, which makes a substantial difference to the lives of people in need of our help and support in Orkney communities. I do however seek support and information from those very communities. If they have any concerns, please raise them.”

Andrew Lowe, Convenor of the Orkney Adult Protection Committee, said: “I was appointed in summer having previously fulfilled this role in urban, central Scotland.

“I have been pleased to see the energy and commitment to adult protection in Orkney and I take every opportunity to promote this important work with Orcadians as I believe it is everyone’s responsibility to keep adults safe who are at risk of being abused.”

If you are worried about an adult at risk of harm you can contact:

  • Orkney Health and Care Helpdesk on 01856873535 during office hours.
  • Emergency Social Work via the Balfour Switchboard on 01856888000 out of office hours.
  • Police Scotland on 101.