Concerned about an adult?

Noticing is not nosiness. If you are concerned about an adult, report it.

The Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board (KMSAB) is supporting the Ann Craft Trust National Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week (16-20 November) and is calling on people and organisations to come together to raise awareness of important adult safeguarding issues and how to notice and report these, facilitate conversations and learn about safeguarding best practice.

Adults can be at risk of different kinds of abuse and it can happen anywhere. This could be self-neglect, or when someone else treats them in a way that harms or hurts them. It can happen once or on multiple occasions. People who abuse are not always strangers, they can also be partners, relatives, a friend, neighbour or carer.

This year’s theme is “Every Voice, Every Choice.” It highlights the importance of listening to people and giving them control over decisions that affect their lives. When people are involved in making choices, safeguarding can be more proactive, build stronger trust, and help people feel more empowered.

This year also focuses on co-production, which means working together with adults who need support, rather than making decisions for them. This approach reflects key principles of the Care Act 2014, including empowerment and prevention. A key part of this is Making Safeguarding Personal, which puts the individual at the centre of the process. It focuses on what matters most to the person, ensuring they have a voice, are involved in decisions, and can choose what actions will help them feel safe.

Andy Rabey, Chair of the KMSAB said: "Safeguarding is everyone's business, and we all have a role to play in helping keep adults safe from abuse, neglect and exploitation. This year's theme, Every Voice, Every Choice, reminds us that safeguarding works best when people are listened to, involved in decisions about their lives, and supported to make choices that are right for them.

"Noticing when something doesn't seem right is not being nosy, it's showing care and concern for another person. If you are worried about an adult who may be at risk, please don't ignore it. Reporting your concerns could make a real difference and help someone get the support they need.

"Throughout Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week, we encourage residents, communities and organisations across Kent and Medway to learn more about safeguarding, start conversations, and help us ensure that every adult's voice is heard and every choice is respected."

The Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board has used the Ann Craft Trust resources to put together a KMSAB Resource Pack, where resources specifically for Kent and Medway organisations can be found. For further information visit: Kent and Medway SAB - Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week 2026 (kmsab.org.uk)

For information on the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board and how to report abuse, visit https://kmsab.org.uk/

For more information on the Ann Craft Trust Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week visit: Safeguarding Adults Week 16 – 22 November 2026 - Ann Craft Trust

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Adult abuse. See it, report it, stop it.

#SafeguardingAdultsWeek #SeeReportStop