This year, National Safeguarding Week in Wales will take place between 11 and 15 November 2019.

As part of the Mid and West Wales Regional Safeguarding Board, the Council and partner agencies provide support for children and adults who are at risk of harm.

The regional key themes include:
• co-sleeping in hazardous circumstances
• self-neglect and hoarding

On 14 November, the Regional Safeguarding Annual Conference will be held at Pembrokeshire College which will highlight key achievements across the region in implementing the Signs of Safety approach in working with families and individuals. Cyra Shimell from Porth y Gymuned Ceredigion will present on Signs of Well-being and how it is used to support and develop individual community resilience. Helen Jones and Oliver Roberts will present on how using Signs of Safety is enhancing support provided for looked after children.

Sudden Infant Death Syndrome (SIDS) is very rare in Wales and England, however over 200 babies a year still die. Some parents choose to co-sleep with their babies and in some situations if key safety messages are followed this can be successful. In high risk groups such as parents who smoke, drink alcohol and or use drugs or if the baby was born prematurely this can increase the risk of death by 90%. Putting babies to sleep in a cot or Moses basket on their own but within the same room as a parent is best practice.

Self-neglect refers to neglecting one’s personal hygiene and surroundings and is sometimes associated with hoarding. Hoarding can start in early teenage years and is known to affect 2% - 5% of the population. Hoarding can cause health and safety problems in your home as the risk of a fire is increased.

For more information, visit the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service website and search for the ‘A Self Help Practical Guide to Hoarding’. If you are concerned contact the Mid and West Wales Fire and Rescue Service on 0800 169 1234 for a home safety check.

The new Wales Safeguarding Procedures will be launched during the week and a comprehensive staff training programme will follow. The new procedures are expected to become operational in April 2020.

In addition, Dyfed Powys Police will follow a comprehensive programme of activities to engage schools and communities, focusing on a variety of themes such as sexting, cyber-crime and exploitation.

If you would like further information visit the website at: www.cysur.wales. If you are concerned about someone who may be at risk of harm, please contact Porth Gofal on 01545 574000.

07/11/2019