The Council is running a series of events, presentations and workshops across the borough to raise awareness on how to keep adults at risk from harm, domestic abuse or neglect, safe in the community.

The events are aimed not only at helping and supporting those directly affected, they also offer advice to worried members of the public, offering guidance on what to look out for and how to report any concerns.

Types of abuse

Adult abuse can be physical, financial, sexual, psychological, domestic or an act of neglect. Particularly vulnerable are those who are elderly, frail, are being sexually exploited or subject to violence, have a physical or learning disability, mental health issue (including dementia), users of substances or alcohol, or in great need of care and support.

In many cases, the person responsible for the abuse is often well known to the person being abused and could be a spouse or partner, son or daughter, relative, friend, paid or unpaid carer, neighbour, health or social care professional, another resident or service user.

Cllr Averil Lekau, Cabinet Member for Adult's Social Care, Health and Anti-Poverty said: "We want to ensure that Royal Greenwich is a place where vulnerable adults can live free from harm. Sometimes people are concerned about someone but don't know what to do to help them.

"Safeguarding Adults Month highlights the work we are doing with organisations and the ways in which we can all intervene to ensure that vulnerable residents stay safe in our community."

Safeguarding Adults Month public events

Social and healthcare professionals are available at all events.

Services for those with a learning disability

Includes information from London Fire Brigade, domestic abuse agencies, Carers Centre.

Wednesday 7 November, 10am to 2pm at Woolwich Centre Library

Services for people suffering from poor mental health

Includes information from Oxleas NHS Foundation Trust, advocacy services, London Fire Brigade, Trading Standards. There is also an opportunity to see what it might be like for those living with dementia.

Wednesday 14 November, 10am to 2pm at Greenwich Centre Library

Services for older people

Includes information from Metropolitan Police, local care homes, Healthwatch and Safeguarding Adults. There is also an opportunity to see what it might be like for those living with dementia.

Wednesday 21 November, 10am to 2pm at Eltham Centre Library

Safe Places scheme

The Council is also promoting the Safe Places scheme for people with a learning difficulty during Adult Safeguarding Month. People with a learning difficulty who feel they are being threatened, are lost, feel unsafe, unwell or scared can go to a shop, cafe, pub or community building displaying the Safe Places sticker to receive help.

If a person is in immediate danger call 999 and alert the police.

If you're worried about a person who is being abused or at risk, you can report it to the Council on 020 8921 2304 (out of hours: 020 8854 8888) or aops.contact.officers@royalgreenwich.gov.uk