Everyone in the UK has the fundamental right to live free from harm and abuse. Safeguarding is everyone’s business.
We are responsible for making sure that the services we commission are safe and effective, by working closely with many different stakeholders and organisations in Southwark and South East London.
The Southwark Safeguarding Team is involved in a variety of place-based multi-agency forums. We make sure the relationships between the NHS and other healthcare and social systems work at both strategic and operational levels to safeguard children, young people, and adults at risk of abuse and neglect.
The Southwark borough team can be contacted over email souccg.southwarksafeguardingteam@nhs.net
Safeguarding adults
We support adults who are at risk of abuse and neglect. There are a wide number of factors involved as to why an individual may be at risk of and having difficulty protecting themselves from abuse.
We are a statutory partner of the Southwark Safeguarding Adults Partnership and actively support all the areas of the Board’s work
To report a concern about an adult with care and support needs who is experiencing or is at risk of abuse or neglect, contact Southwark Adult Social Care.
- for adults with a physical or sensory disability and older people (65 years and above):
- T: 020 7525 3324
- for adults (aged 18 to 65) with a mental illness:
- T: 020 7525 0088
- for adults with a learning disability:
- T: 020 7525 2333
If you are concerned that the adult is in immediate danger please call 999.
Safeguarding children
Safeguarding arrangements are underpinned by two key principles:
- Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. For services to be effective each professional and organisation should play their full part; and
- A child-centred approach. For services to be effective they should be based on a clear understanding of the needs and views of children.
We recognise the paramount importance of safeguarding children and that all children have a right to protection from abuse and neglect. We are committed to child protection procedures and working alongside allied professional bodies including Southwark Safeguarding Children Partnership, Social Care, Education and Police.
Safeguarding children is everybody’s responsibility. Adults have a duty to report abuse.
We are a statutory partner of the Southwark Safeguarding Children Partnership
The partnership consists of a range of key agencies and organisations who work together to safeguard children in Southwark.
If you are concerned about the safety and wellbeing of a child please contact:
Southwark Children Services: Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
020 7525 1921
020 7525 5000 (out of hours)
mash@southwark.gov.uk
If you are seriously concerned about a child’s immediate safety, dial 999.
Southwark’s Children’s Social care has further information on child protection with advice for parents and carers
Southwark’s Local Offer has details on services and opportunities in the borough for children, young people including adults (aged 0-25) who have Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. It includes up-to-date information on opportunities and services that are available to you.