Leeds Safeguarding Adults Partnership works together to promote awareness and good practice:

Safeguarding Adults - Information for the Public

Safeguarding adults refers to the protection of an 'adult at risk' from abuse or neglect.

Some people may be more familiar with the term 'vulnerable adult'. In Leeds the term 'adult at risk' has been adopted.

If the person you are concerned about is over the age of 18 years of age, they need or they may need health and social care support, and you feel they are being abused or at risk of abuse from another person, then they are likely to be an 'adult at risk' and you should consider making a safeguarding adult referral.

If you are not sure if they meet this criteria; you can make the referral and safeguarding professionals will be able to advise you whether this is the most appropriate way of seeking help for the person you are concerned about.

Wherever possible involve the person at risk in decisions about making a safeguarding adult referral. Sometimes this may not be possible and sometimes you may need to act in their 'best interests' because they do not have the mental capacity to decide this for themselves. There are also occasions where a safeguarding adult referral is needed without a person's consent because other people are also at risk, or because the person is too intimidated to agree to a referral or because they are at risk of serious harm.

Dealing with allegations or concerns about abuse can be very difficult and distressing for everyone involved. Deciding what the right thing to do is can be stressful, particularly if the person you are concerned about is reluctant to accept support. If you are not sure what to do you can always seek advice.

How to report abuse of an adult at risk/vulnerable adult:

To make a safeguarding adult referral:

Monday - Friday 08:00 - 18:00
Contact Centre: 0113 222 4401
(Minicom: 0113 222 4410)

Weekends, Bank Holidays, and all other times
Emergency Duty Team: 0113 240 9536


To Inform the Police:

If a person is in imminent danger ring 999

If a crime has been committed but, the person is not in imminent danger ring 101


Advice and Support

If you need advice or support to decide what to do about a safeguarding adult concern/allegation you can contact the Safeguarding Adult Partnership Support Unit Advice Line.

Safeguarding Adult Partnership Support Unit Advice Line
Tel: 0113 224 3511
Open 09:00 - 17:00 Monday - Thursday; and 09:00 - 16.30 on Friday