Safeguarding is often associated with obvious cases of abuse or neglect. But harm can be much harder to spot, and sometimes the signs are simply that someone has become withdrawn, is being financially abused, seems frightened, behaving differently or neglecting to care for themselves.
CSAB encourages family, friends or neighbours not to dismiss changes in someone's behaviour or circumstances, and to remember that safeguarding can start with something as simple as noticing, listening and asking a question.
The Board is particularly keen to challenge the idea that safeguarding is something only professionals need to think about. A neighbour, friend, family member, volunteer, shop worker or colleague may be the person who first notices that something isn't right.
This year's National Safeguarding Adults Week theme is ‘Every Voice. Every Choice’, and focuses on listening to people, supporting choice and control, and making safeguarding personal.
In Cumbria, during 2025/26 there were a total of 14,884 contacts to Adult Social Care where safeguarding was a concern. This is a significant increase from 12,517 safeguarding concerns reported during April 2024 and March 2025. The increase in reported safeguarding concerns suggests that awareness is growing and that more people are recognising the signs of abuse and neglect and taking action. While this is encouraging, continued awareness-raising is vital to ensure concerns are identified early and no adult at risk goes unnoticed.
Throughout National Safeguarding Adults Week, CSAB will continue to work collaboratively with organisations, including councils, health partners, charities, community groups and more, to promote the importance of safeguarding. Several council buildings across Cumbria will also be lit up green, symbolising the ‘green light’ to talk about safeguarding and the importance of protecting adults at risk of abuse or neglect.
What should you do if you're worried about an adult? If something doesn't feel right, don't ignore it. To report concerns about an adult who may be experiencing harm and cannot protect themselves, or find out more about safeguarding adults in Cumbria, visit cumbriasab.org.uk
Rob McCulloch-Graham, Independent Chair, Cumbria Safeguarding Adults Board, said:
“You don't have to be a safeguarding professional to help keep someone safe. Sometimes it starts with noticing a small change, listening to what someone is telling you and asking one more question.
“Good safeguarding isn't about taking control away from people. It's about listening to what matters to them, supporting their choices and helping people to live the lives they want, free from abuse and neglect. Ask yourself; would I know if someone needed help?”