Pebble-power to support National Safeguarding Week

Bridgend County Borough Council will be joining other organisations across Wales between 11–15 November to mark National Safeguarding Week 2019.

Together with its partners, the council will be raising awareness about how abuse can take many different forms - including physical, psychological, sexual, emotional and financial abuse - as well as how people can access help and support.

To demonstrate how everybody can spot signs of abuse and help promote safeguarding, local school children will be placing painted pebbles in parks and public areas across the county borough.

The pebbles will feature eye-catching pictures on one side and the hash tag #safeguardingwales on the other. Members of the public who find the pebbles are being encouraged to share photographs of them on social media, and to tag in Bridgend County Borough Council.

Throughout National Safeguarding Week, a range of different organisations will be providing information stands at the following venues:

• Monday 11 November - Barnardos: Civic Offices, 10am-2pm
• Tuesday 12 November - Community Safety Partnership: Civic Offices, 2pm-4pm
• Wednesday 13 November - Bridgend Carers Wellbeing Service: Civic Offices, 10am-to 2pm
• Thursday 14 November - Community Partnership Safety: Caerau Development Trust, Maesteg 10am-12pm
• Friday 15 November - Telecare: Civic Offices, 10am-12pm, and Community Partnership Safety: Princess of Wales Hospital, 10am-12pm

Specific awareness sessions will also take place for professionals who would like to find out more about safeguarding issues.

The sessions will include details of the ‘Bright Sky’ app, which is designed to provide support and information for anyone who may be directly experiencing or know someone who is suffering from domestic abuse, sexual abuse, stalking and harassment.

The new Wales Safeguarding Procedures will also be launched during National Safeguarding Week which will provide guidance to practitioners working in Wales to safeguard children and adults who are experiencing or are at risk of abuse, neglect or other kinds of harm.

Safeguarding is everyone’s business, and we all have a role to play in helping to help keep others safe.

It is vital for everyone to be more aware of different types of harm, abuse and neglect, and to understand how to recognise the signs and dangers of it in others.

Working together as part of the Bridgend Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub, helping local people to lead safer lives will always be a key priority for the council and its partners.

Council Leader Huw David