Event will shine a spotlight on adult abuse

A spotlight will shine on disability hate crime, harm, neglect and abuse at a special event in the New Year.

Carmarthenshire Adult Safeguarding Board will host the ‘open space’ event in February to demonstrate what steps people can take to protect themselves – or people they care for – from falling prey to crime.

It will be held at the Princess Gwenllian Centre, Kidwelly, on February 7, and places are being offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

Service users, carers, health and social care professionals, and general members of the public can attend.

Bruce McLernon, Director of Social Care, Health and Housing and Chair of the Carmarthenshire Adult Safeguarding Board, said: “Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and this event will explore and demonstrate the various ways that vulnerable people can be misled, discriminated against or abused – both physically and mentally.

“It is an open space event, which means that people will be able to move around speak to different people, watch demonstrations and gather information that will help them.”

The key topic to be covered on the day is disability hate crime – what it is, and what people can do about it.

It is hoped that by making people more aware of the different forms of abuse, and how they can report their concerns, that people of all backgrounds, abilities and circumstances are better prepared to stand up for themselves.

Cllr Pat Jones, Executive Board Member for Health and Social Care, said: “We want everybody to live safely and happily, and without the fear of hate or abuse. It is vitally important that we help people to recognise signs that people may be suffering at the hands of unscrupulous people that take advantage of the circumstances. I really do hope that this event helps very many people.”

Advance booking is essential in order to address any specific requirements on the day.

For further information contact 01267 228703.