A programme of free online sessions aimed at protecting children and adults from abuse or neglect and educating people around them to recognise the signs and report concerns is now open to the public to mark this year’s Safeguarding Week, which begins on Monday, 16 June.
Partners from Safeguarding Adults Boards, Children’s Safeguarding Partnerships, Community Safety Partnerships across North Yorkshire, the City of York Council, Hull City Council and East Riding of Yorkshire Council have come together and developed an extensive programme of learning events, seminars and interactive sessions which all underpin this year’s theme - “Safeguarding is everybody’s business”.
Spurred on by the success of Safeguarding Week 2024, partners have worked to extend the range of topics being covered this year. These include suicide prevention, support for people impacted by domestic abuse, signs of radicalisation, keeping children safe online, fraud awareness and protection, the power of the bystander amongst many other safeguarding areas.
While a number of the sessions are open only to professionals working in the safeguarding sector, the week-long programme of 65 sessions caters for members of the public, volunteers, parents and carers too who want to learn more about safeguarding.
North Yorkshire Council’s executive member for children and families, Councillor Janet Sanderson, said: “Safeguarding is about protecting children and adults from abuse or neglect and educating people around them to recognise the signs and report concerns.
“The sessions have been designed to stimulate discussion, spark innovation and share best practice. But more so, the excellent programme of events allows us all to educate ourselves further on how we can help safeguard people from abuse.
“Each session will be delivered by inspirational and motivational speakers, all of whom are experts in their field and I would encourage as many people as possible to sign up.”
The full programme of events, which will take place between Monday, 16 June to Friday, 20 June, is open for viewing at North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership and early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.
City of York Council’s executive member for children, young people and education, Councillor Bob Webb, said: “We’re inviting residents and professionals to learn more about how we can all play a part in identifying, reporting and preventing abuse.
“We have developed an extensive programme of learning events, seminars and interactive sessions. Please browse our line-up of events, sign up to some and learn more so we can all play our part to prevent abuse.”
North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership chair of the executive and independent scrutineer, Heather Pearson, said: “Staying informed and educated about safeguarding is crucial for everyone in our community.
“By attending these sessions you not only enhance your own knowledge, but also contribute to a safer environment for all. Safeguarding Week is an opportunity to work together to learn, share and make a difference.”
All the agencies involved will be sharing information across their social media channels and website in the run up to Safeguarding week and throughout the week. To follow along look for the hashtag #safeguardingweek2025.
For more information or details of support services, please visit North Yorkshire Safeguarding Children Partnership for safeguarding children and young people and safeguarding adults
in North Yorkshire for adults.