Safeguarding Overview

At Market Cross Surgery, we are committed to safeguarding the wellbeing, rights and safety of both adults and children. Safeguarding means protecting people from abuse, neglect or harm, and ensuring they are supported to live safe, healthy lives.

Our Commitment

1. We take all concerns about abuse or neglect seriously.
2. All staff are trained to recognise signs of harm and know how to respond.
3. We work closely with patients, families and other agencies to make sure people receive the right support.
4. Wherever possible, we will discuss concerns with the individual before taking action.
5. In situations where someone is at serious risk, we may need to share information without consent, but always in their best interests and only with the appropriate authorities.

Safeguarding Adults

An adult may be at risk if they have care and support needs and are unable to protect themselves from abuse or neglect. Abuse can be physical, emotional, financial, sexual, organisational, discriminatory or related to neglect or self-neglect.

Safeguarding Children

Keeping children safe is everyone’s responsibility. Staff will act promptly on any concerns about a child’s safety or welfare and follow local safeguarding procedures. If children may be at risk, we will work with families and the appropriate children’s safeguarding services to ensure they are protected.

If You Have a Concern

If you are worried about your own safety, the safety of a child, or someone else, please speak to any member of our team. We are here to help.

If someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.

Local Safeguarding Contacts

Adult Safeguarding

1. Suffolk Adult Safeguarding Referral (Adult Care Portal):
   Visit the Adult Care Portal online.
2. Immediate safeguarding support: 0808 800 4005
3. MASH Consultation Line (to discuss concerns): 0345 606 1499

Child Safeguarding (Suffolk Children’s Services)

1. Customer First (Report a child safety concern): 0808 800 4005
2. If unsure whether to report: Speak to any member of our practice team for advice.

Domestic Abuse Support

1. Suffolk Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0800 977 5690
2. Lighthouse Women’s Aid: 01473 228 270

Sexual Abuse and Assault Support

1. The Ferns – Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC): 0330 223 0099
2. Survivors in Transition (support for survivors of sexual violence): 01473 232499

Modern Slavery & Exploitation

1. Modern Slavery Helpline: 08000 121 700

Prevent (Concerns about radicalisation or extremism)

1. National Prevent Helpline: 0800 011 3764