Report abuse

If your concern is not urgent then you can use one of the online forms below to raise your concern.

I’m raising a safeguarding concern about myself or about someone I know such as a partner, relative, friend, neighbour, etc.

I’m a professional raising a safeguarding concern such as a care provider, housing officer, social worker, nurse, doctor, voluntary/community worker, police officer, probation worker, further and higher education, solicitor, etc.

Contact information

If you or someone else is in immediate danger, phone the police on 999, or call them on 101 if it is less urgent.

Contact centre office hours

Call 0118 937 3747, Monday to Friday, 9.00am to 5.00pm.

Email CSAAdvice.Signposting@reading.gov.uk

Out-of-hours office service

This service is for emergencies only. Call 01344 351 999, Monday to Friday 5pm to 9am and all day at weekends and Bank Holidays.

For deaf access, text 999 or Emergency Minicom Text Relay on 18000. You must be registered to use this service.

Our video explains when and how you should raise a safeguarding concern:

Raise a safeguarding concern about yourself or someone you know

To raise a concern with us, you’ll need to tell us:

• Your details or those of the person you’re concerned about.
• Details about the concern or incident
• Details of the person alleged to have caused the harm (if known)
• An email address and/or telephone number so we can contact you to discuss your concerns.
• Please answer the questions as fully as possible

If you believe you are being abused or neglected

It’s not easy sometimes to accept that you are being abused or neglected, and it can be even more difficult to tell someone else.  Sometimes this is because the person who is doing it is a close family member or a friend, or it’s because you think people will laugh at you or it will affect how your friends or acquaintances think about you.

If you receive care or support from health services or residential homes or a home care agency, regulatory bodies can take action.

If you live in your own home and do not receive care and support you are still entitled to be supported with your safeguarding concern.

If you suspect someone you know is being abused or neglected

Try to speak to the person about what you have noticed, being as open and honest as possible.  Allow the person to talk and listen carefully to what they tell you. Find out their views about the situation and what they want to happen.

Some people may want to talk but may be worried about how you might react so it is important to stay calm if they begin telling you what has happened. The person may ask you to promise not to tell anyone else about the abuse. Whether you are a family member or a relative, you should always be honest and avoid making promises about confidentiality especially as other people may be at risk.

Remember that the person is an adult, and should never be treated like a child, even if they appear confused or disoriented. Adults have the right to make choices and decisions so it’s important to involve them and to avoid taking over or being over-protective.

Raise a safeguarding concern as a professional

To raise a concern, you’ll need to provide the following information:

• Details of the person you’re concerned about.
• Details about the concern or incident.
• Details of the person alleged to have caused the harm (if known).
• An email address and/or telephone number so we can contact you to discuss your concerns.
• Please answer the questions as fully as possible.

If you suspect someone has care and support needs and is at risk of, or experiencing abuse or neglect

Try to speak to the person about what you have noticed, being as open and honest as possible.  Allow the person to talk and listen carefully to what they tell you. Find out their views about the situation and what they want to happen.

Some people may want to talk but may be worried about how you might react so it is important to stay calm if they begin telling you what has happened. The person may ask you to promise not to tell anyone else about the abuse.

You should always be honest and avoid making promises about confidentiality especially as other people may be at risk.

Remember that the person is an adult and should always be treated as such even if they appear confused or disoriented.

Please indicate on the referral form if you have any cause to believe the adult at risk may not have the mental capacity to make a decision about their safety.

 Remember, adults have the right to make choices and decisions so it’s important to involve them and to avoid taking over or being over-protective.

Need advice before making a referral?

Contact our Safeguarding Adults Telephone Advice Line on 0118 9376 550.

You’ll be able to discuss your concern and access advice from our specialist staff. Please note, this is an advice only service. If you decide make a referral, you’ll still need to submit the online referral form.   

The West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Board (WBSAB)

The West of Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Board (WBSAB) covers the 3 local authority areas of Reading, West Berkshire and Wokingham.

WBSAB is a statutory mechanism for ensuring a robust multi-agency adult safeguarding framework is in place and for monitoring the effectiveness of local arrangements.

Find out more at the WBSAB website sabberkshirewest.co.uk .

There is a dedicated area for professionals containing a wide range of useful information and resources. Click here to view the Berkshire Safeguarding Adults Policy and Procedures.