NYSAB Newsletter – December 2025
Celebrating the Success of National Safeguarding Adults Week 2025!
In November the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board took part in National Safeguarding Adults Week, focusing on the theme “Prevention: Act Before Abuse”. The aim was simple: help people spot the signs of abuse early and know what to do if they’re worried about someone.
What happened during the week?
- We attended 10 community events in hospitals, libraries, and support groups. Staff and volunteers ran stalls, handed out leaflets, and chatted with visitors about keeping adults safe.
- NYSAB created a special resources section on their website, packed with helpful blogs, webinars, and videos.
- The board ran a social media campaign. Posts reached over 3,000 people, using X, LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook to spread the word. NYSAB even featured in a radio interview!
What did people tell us?
- Many asked about scams and how they could help homeless people, especially in cold weather.
- Some were unsure what happens after reporting a concern, and staff wanted clearer feedback about safeguarding alerts.
- There was a strong feeling that safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, not just one person’s job, and the SAB should help promote this.
National Safeguarding Adults Week 2025 helped raise awareness and start important conversations. By sharing information, listening, and working together, NYSAB and its partners helped make a real difference that it will continue to build on.
Standing Together Against Hate: NYSAB’s Commitment During National Hate Awareness Week
In October, the North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board (NYSAB) joined forces with the Community Safety Partnership to mark National Hate Crime Awareness Week, a campaign dedicated to raising awareness about hate crime and promoting inclusion, safety, and respect for all.
As part of our commitment, NYSAB Partners took part in an event at Northallerton Town Hall, organised by Mencap in partnership with the North Yorkshire Community Safety Partnership. The event brought together local residents and service providers to shine a spotlight on the realities of hate crime, the importance of safeguarding, and the range of support services available in our area.
Partners also attended the York & North Yorkshire Hate Crime Conference. Here the Y & NY Hate Crime and Community Cohesion Plan 25-28 was launched and can be seen here: Hate Crime and the Inclusive Communities Joint Coordinating Group | North Yorkshire Partnerships Discussion took place about how hate crime targeting disabled individuals remains vastly underreported. Many people face significant barriers such as fear, stigma, or lack of accessible reporting routes that prevent them from speaking out. It highlighted the need to listen to those affected, offer support and take decisive action to ensure our communities are safe and welcoming for all.
Learning from ‘Marie’: Safeguarding Adults Review
The North Yorkshire Safeguarding Adults Board (NYSAB) has published a Safeguarding Adults Review (SAR) following the tragic death of ‘Marie’, a 30-year-old woman who took her own life in March 2023 after contact with multiple agencies. As a member of the Gypsy, Roma and Traveller (GRT) community, her cultural identity shaped both her experiences and the barriers she faced in accessing support.
Why This Matters
This review is a vital opportunity for reflection and change.
SARs are about learning, not blame, shining a light on gaps in systems and practice, helping us build stronger, safer systems for individuals with care and support needs.
What We Learned
The SAR identified 9 themes for improvement which can be reviewed in more detail, alongside the full recommendations, in the Marie SAR.
1. Substance Use and Engagement
Marie faced trauma and substance use. Current engagement models discharge individuals after repeated non-attendance. After overdose events, information-sharing was limited, reducing opportunities for follow-up care.
2. Missed Opportunities for Outreach
Marie later sought help, including self‑referrals, but these were not fully recognised or met with assertive outreach.
3. Criminal Justice Responses
Some of Marie’s crisis calls were treated as hoaxes, overlooking important context and missing intervention opportunities
4. Domestic Abuse and Coercive Control
The impact of coercive control was not consistently understood. Disengagement or retracted allegations should not reduce professional curiosity or lead to assumptions of reduced risk.
5. Mental Health and Safeguarding
Safeguarding concerns for Marie were missed, particularly after overdose and crisis events. Suicide risk was not consistently reviewed following major life changes.
6. Multi-Agency Working
The absence of regular multi-agency meetings led to siloed information and a fragmented view of risk.
7. Trauma-Informed Practice
Marie’s trauma was not always explored; responses often focused on behaviour rather than need.
8. Mental Capacity Act
Application of the Mental Capacity Act was inconsistent and poorly documented, particularly during periods of fluctuating mental health and substance use.
9. Cultural Awareness
Marie’s GRT identity was not fully considered, affecting engagement and culturally sensitive communication after her death
What Happens Next?
The Board will work with all partner agencies to develop an action plan, which will align with out Strategic Priorities, such as Priority 3: Confident Practice, which focuses on trauma-informed approaches and the Mental Capacity Act.
Marie’s story is a powerful reminder: safeguarding is not optional, it’s essential.
Want to learn more? Visit the NYSAB website for the full review and resources.
Christmas: A time for Care and Connection
Safeguarding adults means working together to stop abuse and to try to prevent it happening in the future. The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, family, and celebration. However, for many people, Christmas can bring unique challenges that impact on their safety and wellbeing. It is important to acknowledge this and ensure support is available for those who may need it.
Loneliness and Isolation
While many enjoy gatherings and celebrations, other face loneliness and isolation. Older adults, especially those living alone and have suffered bereavement, may find this time of year particularly difficult. Loneliness can have serious effects on mental health.
Domestic Abuse and Family Tension
Christmas can often be a time of heightened stress in many households. Financial pressures, increased alcohol consumption and family conflicts can create an environment where domestic abuse can easily escalate. Sadly, reports of domestic violence often rise during this Christmas period.
Ways to Help:
- Reach out personally
- Check in on neighbours who may be alone.
- Invite them to join a gathering, even if they decline, the invite matters.
- Help with shopping, errands, or transport.
- Share home cooked meals.
- Living Well in North Yorkshire helps people make small changes to their lifestyles to improve their quality of life. You can find more information by clinking on the following link: Living Well in North Yorkshire | North Yorkshire Council
If you or someone you know is at risk, and it is safe to do so, reach out for help as soon as you can. Call 0300 131 2131, or staff and professionals working with adults can use the following link: https://www.northyorks.gov.uk/adult-social-care/protecting-adult-harm/report-adult-abuse-safeguarding
National Support Services
- In an emergency, call 999.
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (24/7, free): 0808 2000 247
- Men’s Advice Line: 0808 801 0327
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 999 5428
- Refuge: 0808 2000 247
- IDAS: 0300 110 110
- Samaritans (24/7): 116 123
- Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602
- Silver Line (Over 55s): 0800 470 8090
- British Red Cross Loneliness Support: 0808 196 3651
- Text Support (Shout): Text SHOUT to 85258
- Coping with loneliness during the festive season | Mental Health Foundation
- Christmas and mental health | Information and support | Mind
We can all play a part in safeguarding and well-being this Christmas and it is often those small gestures such as checking in on your neighbors that matter the most. Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Together, we can help make this Christmas safer and more inclusive.
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS
CONTACT US
We’re always looking for passionate individuals and organisations to get involved with the Safeguarding Adults Board.
If you’re interested in contributing to the work of any of our subgroups, please reach out to us at nysab@northyorks.gov.uk
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