Safeguarding: what it is and how to report

Advice and Information - 1 September 2025

Find out how to report safeguarding incidents for adults and children, as well as understanding key indicators of abuse and neglect.
There is a girl with light brown hair and she is wearing a white woolen jumper. The sleeves of the jumpers are folded once. The girl is looking down distraught and her hands are in her hair.

What is safeguarding? 

Safeguarding is protecting a person’s right to live safely, free from abuse and neglect. It is about responding when someone is at risk or at the possible risk of harm. 

Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility – family, friends, professionals and the local council. 

 

 

Report adult safeguarding 

Get in touch with Brent Adult Safeguarding Team. 

  • Office hours (Mon – Fri 9am - 5pm), call: 020 8937 4300 (select Adult Social Care) 

  • Outside office hours (weekends, bank holidays and weekdays 5pm - 9am), call: the Emergency Duty Team on 020 8863 5250 

 

 

 

Report child safeguarding 

Follow this link to report a concern about a child. You can also contact the Brent Family Front Door with the below options 

  • Office hours (Mon – Fri 9am - 5pm): Call 020 8937 4300 (option 1) 

  • Outside office hours: Call our emergency duty team on 020 8863 5250 

 

 

Who can be at risk? 

Anyone can be at risk of safeguarding incidents, however there are people that are considered more vulnerable such as: 

  • Children and young people 

  • Those who rely on others for care and support, such as those with long-term health conditions, elderly people, frail people 

  • Those that live with physical, mental or sensory conditions 

  • People that have a sight or hearing impairment 

 

 

What are the signs of abuse and neglect? 

  • Sudden changes in mood and behaviour 

  • Looking fearful, anxious, withdrawn and struggling to make friends or interact 

  • Physical signs like unexplained injuries, bruising, marks, weight loss or decrease in hygiene 

  • A carer refusing visitors, acting controlling, verbally or physically threatening the person, intentionally leaving someone unattended when they need help 

  • The individual seems to struggle with financial issues, a sign someone else is controlling their financial situation 

  • You can understand different types of abuse and their indicators here.

 

 

 

Do health and social care services know what you really think?

Share your ideas and experiences and help services hear what works, what doesn’t, and what you want from care in the future. 

Share your views

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