Safeguarding professionals from various organisations and charities across Southend-on-Sea came together for a specially arranged conference to share their expertise across all ages.
More than 250 people attended the event called ‘Safeguarding Southend Together’, which was held all day on Friday 24 March, at Southend Essex College in Luker Road, and featured workshops from key representatives including social care, health and the police.
There was also time for attendees to visit information stalls to find out more about the support available locally from charities, faith groups and help centres.
The event was organised by the Southend Safeguarding Partnership, which holds to account key statutory bodies and providers across health, education, care, and the justice system. In Southend-on-Sea, the partnership covers services across all ages.
Maggie Atkinson, the independent advisor for the Southend Safeguarding Partnership, explained: “Our statutory role is to support families, across all ages and hold organisations to account. All areas have a safeguarding partnership, but Southend’s crosses all age groups, which is important because although the safeguarding situations may differ as people age, at its essence, safeguarding remains the same.
“Safeguarding isn’t always blue lights. Safeguarding is noticing a change in a person’s behaviour or demeanour and taking the time to find out if they are ok. Sometimes its something simple, like a missing pencil case for school, or worry about an upcoming health appointment. But sometimes it’s something more serious, and at the extreme end of safeguarding, action would need to be taken. As professionals, we just need to find a way of making that person feel comfortable enough to talk.”
Delegates who attended the event, were also asked to bring donations to St Vincent‘s de Paul food bank and the contributions filled a van.
Stephan Liebrecht, director of adult social care operations at Southend-on-Sea City Council, who attended the conference, said: “To have so much experience in one room, sharing their knowledge with their peers and colleagues, was empowering. Safeguarding is really the responsibility of everyone, it doesn’t sit with just social care, for example.
“I want to thank the Southend Safeguarding Partnership for arranging such a positive event and thank all the delegates for their kind contributions to the food bank. It will make a huge difference to those who need it the most.”
And remember, if you are concerned about an adult, then we can help. Call us on 01702 215008 or visit the website.
If you are concerned about a child, you should contact our MASH Team on 01702 215007 or mash@southend.gov.uk
This is safeguarding – and safeguarding is everybody’s business.