There are many ways in which vulnerable adults can suffer or be taken advantage of so we have collated this guide to keeping safe and well in the community.
We have worked with the Hampshire Safeguarding Adults Board to compile these resources for helping to keep adults safe in the county. See also the HSAB website Keeping Safe page.
Connect to Support Hampshire
Connect to Support Hampshire is an online information and advice guide and directory of services for adult residents in Hampshire to find information, advice and services to manage their own care and wellbeing.
You can find out about local groups, activities and services within your community as well as formal care provision. Visit Connect to Support Hampshire website for more information.
Fire Service Safe and Well visits
Hampshire Fire Service offers Safe and Well visits which are available to people with vulnerabilities that may indicate that they are at more risk of harm from fire.
This visit is free of charge and will include a customer-made information pack, installation of new fire alarms and a check of existing fire alarms, issue of fire retardant bedding, furniture throws and nightwear and, if appropriate, a referral to other services for a professional assessment. To find out more visit the Hampshire Fire Service Safe and Well webpage.
Hampshire Police
Doorstep crime is becoming more common, where people come to the door pretending to be officials to trick their way into your home. If you are not sure about someone don’t let them into your home. If it’s an emergency, call 999. You can tell the police about unwanted or suspicious callers by calling 101.
For more information about doorstep crime, visit Hampshire Police. Please use this link for accessible contact methods.
Neighbourhood Watch
Neighbourhood Watch is about people getting together with their neighbours to take action to reduce crime. Neighbourhood Watch schemes can: cut crime and the opportunities for crime; help and reassure those who live in the area; encourage neighbourliness and closer communities. See more information on the Hampshire Police Neighbourhood Watch website.
Safe Place Scheme
Safe Place is a scheme for vulnerable adults if they get lost, scared or upset when they are out on their own. See more details on the HCC Adults Services website.
Scams Advice
Hampshire Constabulary has produced advice and guidance on scams during the COVID-19 crisis. The Scam Awareness flyer outlines some of the most common scams being seen at the moment. Please note these scams are evolving all the time so you may see different variations or new ones popping up which may not be included in this flyer.
To keep up to date we recommend signing up to Hampshire Alert (www.hampshirealert.co.uk) and Action Fraud (www.actionfraud.police.uk) for notifications.
The Blue Lamp Trust Bobby Scheme
The Blue Lamp Trust is a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting and enhancing community safety throughout Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. It is a practical service which aims to bring peace of mind to the vulnerable and elderly, providing reassurance or restoring a sense of security within their own home particularly after a burglary. See more information on the Blue Lamp Trust webpage.
You can find lots of other helpful articles in our information and advice section about things like loneliness and isolation. You can browse these in the information and advice pages, but if you know what you are looking for you can use the search function in the top right hand corner.