This awareness week, we want to spread a simple message – there’s no shame in seeking support.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is everybody’s business. It means protecting a person’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect.
As a social landlord, we’re often the first to spot early signs of abuse, neglect, or unsuitable living conditions, so we’re well-placed to help.
When carrying out a routine visit in a customer’s home this year, a colleague quickly realised the home was not safe for the customer or her three year old daughter to live in.
“Help came when I needed it most”
The customer told us:
“Walking in through the door, you wouldn’t have thought anything was wrong. But the kitchen was filled with rubbish bags and wasn’t safe for my daughter to be in, the living room smelled of dog mess and there were clothes everywhere upstairs. The only room that was clean was my daughter’s room.”
The customer hadn’t reached out to anybody for help, but it was clear she was struggling. Her husband had been hospitalised after becoming suicidal, and daily life was becoming so difficult she was unable to look after her home.
Cleaning was the last thing on my mind while my husband was in hospital. I was focused on getting up, occupying my daughter and getting her ready for school. My home was getting me down, and I was embarrassed to have family around as the mess had got to a stage it shouldn’t have got to. I thought I could plod on, but help came to find me when I needed it most. I needed a wake up call.”
After the colleague raised their concern with our safeguarding team, we worked with social services to carry out a welfare check on the same day. This led to us working with the customer and other services to create a safety plan. We’ve since carried out repairs and paint jobs in the property, and are in the process of providing new flooring.
The customer told us
If it wasn’t for you helping, I don’t know where I’d be. You helped me to gut the rooms, repaint and decorate. There was no judgement. I’m so, so happy you knocked on my door that day. I didn’t know Valleys to Coast offered this support, but if anyone else is in my position, I’d say this – help is there, so take it.”
If you’re struggling with something, or you’re concerned about a friend or neighbour, give us a call on 0300 123 2100. We work in collaboration with social services and the police to protect vulnerable adults and children in our homes and communities. It’s thanks to our colleague for following his gut feeling that we were able to help this grateful customer. Now, she’s looking forward to the future, and has regular counselling sessions to help her keep on top of things. She said:
“My husband is doing better, and now that the kitchen is safe for our daughter to be in, we have a baking day every weekend. Although she was too young to understand what was happening before, she’s happier now that she has room to play with her toys in the living room again. I used to be embarrassed about my home, but now I smile when I walk through the door.
“From the bottom of my heart, I’m grateful to everyone who helped. If it wasn’t for you all, I’d still be at rock bottom. Now, I feel hopeful about the future.”
Help is available
In addition to speaking with us on 0300 123 2100, we’re shining a light on organisations that can help ensure that you, or someone that you are concerned about, can be effectively safeguarded. These include:
- Bridgend Borough County Council website, and their support services web page.
- Our support and resources web page provides links to organisations that can offer domestic abuse and mental health support.