POLICE, health professionals and councillors have come together to support a week of action to help victims of abuse.

This year’s Safeguarding Week launched yesterday and organisations across North Yorkshire are spreading the ‘tell us you concerns’ message.

Safeguarding involves multiple agencies working together to stop abuse and prevent it happening in the future.

The aims of the week are to emphasise that everyone has a role to play in spotting the signs of abuse, encourage the public and professionals in all walks of life to be aware of the many forms abuse can take, and what to do if they are worried about someone.

The campaign highlights the risks to children, young people and adults across the county and provides information on where issues can be reported, along with information about keeping friends, neighbours and relatives safe, too.

Because of the lockdown, people across the county may not be seeing professionals or have social support structures in place as they usually would.

That’s why Safeguarding Awareness Week is emphasising that safeguarding is everybody’s business and any concern should be reported.

The hashtag #TellUsYourConcerns will be used on social media throughout the week and in North Yorkshire, there will be a different theme each day seeking to highlight a different area of concern.

These include domestic abuse, both physical and emotional, online abuse such as frauds and scamming and radicalisation and extremism.

Dr Sue Proctor, Chair of North Yorkshire’s Safeguarding Adults Board (NYSAB), said: “Safeguarding Week 2020 has taken on extra significance due to the unprecedented circumstances in which it is taking place.

“Abuse and harm can take many different forms and the fact many people have been at home during the lockdown could amplify the opportunity for such harm to be inflicted.

“It’s so important to reiterate to everyone how to identify someone who may be at risk, but also what to do with that information and the importance of highlighting it.

“Safeguarding is everyone’s concern and could have a long term impact.”

NHS North Yorkshire CCG Chief Nurse Sue Peckitt said: “North Yorkshire CCG recognises the importance of protecting all individuals’ rights to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.

“We are proud to work in partnership with other organisations to raise awareness of safeguarding issues during national Safeguarding Week, and at all times.

“Now, more than ever, safeguarding is everybody’s business.”

Detective Superintendent Allan Harder, Head of Safeguarding for North Yorkshire Police said people have been through ‘some very tough times’ during the Covid-19 pandemic, but it has also shown the depth of the community spirit in the county.