Report an adult at risk of abuse

Find out what to do if you're worried that an adult is being neglected or abused.

In this section:

Overview

If you're worried about an adult being harmed or neglected, it’s important to report it.  

Report a safeguarding concern

You can also:

If someone is in immediate danger, please call 999.

What information do I need to provide?

If possible, try to speak to the person you are worried about before contacting us to include them in the decision to seek help and to help us understand what they want to happen.  

It’s not necessary to have all the following information to report a concern, but where possible you should tell us: 

  • the adult’s name, age and address
  • why you’re worried about the person, for example they're being abused or not looked after properly or they're unable to look after themselves
  • whether the person is aware you are raising this concern
  • any immediate dangers or risks to the individual 

Can I remain anonymous?

Yes, you can remain anonymous, but this may limit our ability to complete a full investigation.

Will the information I share be confidential?

Everything you share will remain confidential. However, if there are immediate concerns about safety, we may need to share some information with relevant agencies such as the police. 

We will always respect your privacy. 

This short video explains what safeguarding is and how to report it. 

What happens next?

When you report a safeguarding concern, we follow the Making Safeguarding Personal (MSP) approach to ensure your needs and wishes are prioritised.  

The law says the Council must investigate a concern if: 

  • the adult has care and support needs, for example they need help with washing, eating or dressing (they do not need to be receiving care)
  • the adult may be experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, abuse or neglect including self-neglect and emotional, financial or sexual abuse
  • the adult is unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect because of their care and support needs  

As part of the investigation, we will:

Listen to you

We will talk to you about your concerns and what you want to happen. Your views and desired outcomes will be at the heart of any decisions we make. 

Assess the situation 

We’ll gather more information, possibly by talking to people involved such as healthcare providers, family members or carers. 

We will keep you informed throughout the process. 

Work with you to create a plan 

Together, we’ll make a plan that addresses the concerns and ensures your safety while respecting your rights and independence.  

Take action 

Depending on the level of risk, we may arrange extra support services, work with relevant agencies or take steps to help you protect yourself.  

Review the outcome 

We will continue to work with you to ensure the safeguarding plan is still working and to address any concerns.  

Further support

Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board

The Solihull Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) is a resource for anyone concerned about the safety and wellbeing of at-risk adults in Solihull. 

Whether you're a professional, carer or member of the community, SSAB offers guidance and support for effective safeguarding practices. 

Visit SSAB's website for information including: 

  • information leaflets
  • training and development opportunities
  • accessing safeguarding policies 

Preventing radicalisation and extremism

If you're concerned that someone is at risk of radicalisation, visit our Preventing Terrorism page for guidance or contact ACT (Action Counters Terrorism).