Safeguarding

Safeguarding means protecting children, young people and adults from abuse or neglect.

NHS Essex has a statutory duty to ensure safeguarding is embedded across all NHS-funded services. This applies to children, young people and adults who may be vulnerable or at risk.

We work closely with partners across health, social care, education, voluntary organisations, the police and local safeguarding boards. Together, we help keep people safe, prevent harm and promote wellbeing.

Local safeguarding boards in Essex

Safeguarding boards bring organisations together to protect people, share learning and improve safeguarding practice.

Essex

• Essex Safeguarding Adults Board
• Essex Safeguarding Children Partnership

Southend

• Southend Safeguarding Adults Board
• Southend Safeguarding Children Partnership

Thurrock

• Thurrock Safeguarding Adults Board
• Thurrock Safeguarding Children Partnership

NHS Essex Integrated Care Board is a statutory partner of all safeguarding boards across Essex. We work with partners to ensure safeguarding policies, procedures and best practice are followed consistently.

Our role in safeguarding

NHS Essex makes sure local health and care organisations have effective safeguarding systems in place.

Our safeguarding team:

• Provides leadership and expert advice across the health system
• Supports organisations to protect children and adults
• Ensures safeguarding policies and procedures are followed
• Works with safeguarding boards and partner organisations

The NHS Essex safeguarding team does not accept referrals directly from the public. Instead, please report concerns using the contact details below.

Hidden harm and exploitation

Hidden harm includes abuse or exploitation that may not be immediately obvious. However, signs may include changes in behaviour, physical appearance or emotional wellbeing.

Examples include:

• Domestic abuse
• Sexual exploitation
• Criminal exploitation, including county lines
• Neglect
• Emotional or financial abuse

For more information, visit:

• Essex Police website
• Southend, Essex and Thurrock Domestic Abuse Partnership (SETDAB)

County lines exploitation

County lines refers to organised criminal networks that transport illegal drugs between areas using dedicated phone lines.

Criminal groups may exploit children, young people and vulnerable adults. As a result, victims may face serious physical and emotional harm.

If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

Report a safeguarding concern

If you are worried about a child or adult, it is important to report your concern.

You do not need proof. If something does not feel right, reporting it can help protect someone from harm.

Local authority safeguarding teams provide support 24 hours a day.