The Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board is calling on residents and organisations to speak up about suspected abuse or neglect during National Safeguarding Adults Awareness Week, running from 16 to 20 November 2026.
The Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board, a partnership of statutory and voluntary organisations working to keep adults at risk of abuse or neglect safe, is backing the Ann Craft Trust’s annual awareness week with a simple message: “Adult abuse. See it, report it, stop it.” And the board is keen to make one thing clear to residents across Kent and Medway: noticing something wrong isn’t nosiness. It’s care.
Adults can be at risk in ways that aren’t always obvious, including self-neglect as well as harm caused by someone else. The person causing that harm isn’t always a stranger, either. KMSAB says abuse can be carried out by a partner, relative, friend, neighbour or carer, and may happen once or repeatedly.
Every Voice, Every Choice
This year’s campaign theme is “Every Voice, Every Choice.” The idea is that safeguarding works best when adults are listened to, involved in decisions about their own lives, and supported to choose what help they actually want. It reflects the Care Act 2014 principles of empowerment and prevention, sitting within what the board calls “Making Safeguarding Personal”, which puts the individual at the centre of the process.
Andy Rabey, Independent Chair of the Kent and Medway Safeguarding Adults Board, said: “Noticing when something doesn’t seem right is not being nosy, it’s showing care and concern for another person. If you are worried about an adult who may be at risk, please don’t ignore it. Reporting your concerns could make a real difference and help someone get the support they need.”
A dedicated resource pack, built from Ann Craft Trust materials for Kent and Medway organisations, is available through the board’s website.
Key information
- In an emergency, always call 999
- To report a rogue trader or scam, call the Citizens Advice consumer service helpline on 03454 040506, which will contact your local Trading Standards
- Non-urgent incidents can be reported to Kent Police via kent.police.uk/report
- More about safeguarding, including how to report abuse, is available at kmsab.org.uk
Kent and Medway board urges public to report concerns about adults at risk Quiz
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