Keeping you and your family safe
Our commitment to safeguarding
Your safety and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do at the practice. We are committed to protecting children, young people, adults at risk, and all patients who may be vulnerable to harm, abuse, or neglect.
Safeguarding is everybody’s responsibility and we follow national and local guidance, including standards set by the Care Quality Commission (CQC), NHS England, and best practice from the British Medical Association.
If you have any worries or concerns about safety for yourself or someone else please read on for how we can help and who to contact.
Safeguarding for children and young people (Under 18)
What is child safeguarding?
Child safeguarding means:
- Protecting children from abuse, harm, or neglect
- Identifying when a child is at risk
- Taking action to keep them safe
Abuse can include:
- Physical or emotional harm
- Neglect
- Sexual abuse or exploitation
- Domestic abuse affecting a child
- Radicalisation or exploitation
What to do if you are worried about a child
If you are concerned that a child is being harmed or is at risk:
📞 Birmingham Children’s Advice & Support Service (CASS)
Call: 0121 303 1888 (during office hours)
Emergency (out of hours): 0121 675 4806
📞 Solihull Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
Call: 0121 788 4300 (Monday –Thursday,08:45am–5:20pm, Friday 8:45am–4:30pm)
Out of hours: 0121 605 6060
In an emergency where a child is in immediate danger: Call 999 immediately.
You can also seek support from national child support services like Childline (0800 1111).
What happens next
When you raise a concern, professionals will:
- Listen to your concerns sensitively
- Assess the situation
- Work with other local services to protect the child
- Keep you informed (where appropriate)
You do not need proof to raise a concern, your contact could help protect a child.
Safeguarding for adults at risk (18+)
Who is an adult at risk?
An adult may be at risk if they:
- Have care and support needs
- Are experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect
- Are unable to protect themselves because of their care needs
Abuse for adults can include:
- Physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse
- Domestic abuse
- Neglect or self-neglect
- Discriminatory abuse
- Exploitation or modern slavery
What to do if you are worried about an adult
If you believe an adult with care and support needs may be being abused or neglected:
📞 Birmingham Adults & Communities Access Point
Call: 0121 303 1234
Email: ACAP@birmingham.gov.uk
(Text Relay: dial 18001 then the full phone number)
📞 Solihull Adult Social Care
Call: 0121 704 8007
Email: ccadults@solihull.gov.uk
Out of hours or urgent: 0121 605 6060
If the person is in immediate danger: Call 999 immediately.
You can raise a concern even if you’re unsure, you don’t need all the details.
How concerns are handled
When you report a concern:
- Your information will be taken seriously and treated confidentially
- Local adult social care teams will assess risk
- Support may be arranged in collaboration with partner agencies
- The focus is on your safety and wishes
Confidentiality and sharing information
We respect your right to confidentiality.
However, if we believe someone is at risk, we may share relevant information with other professionals to ensure safety in a way that follows national guidance and legal requirements.
Other local support services
Domestic Abuse Support
Birmingham & Solihull Women’s Aid (free helpline): 0808 800 0028
National Domestic Abuse Helpline: 0808 2000 247
Child Support and Advice
Childline: 0800 1111
What You Can Do Right Now
✔ Talk to any member of our practice team in confidence
✔ Ask to speak with our Safeguarding Lead
✔ Call the relevant local service if someone is at risk
If you think someone’s safety is at immediate risk — call 999.
Our safeguarding leads
We have dedicated Safeguarding Leads for both Children and Adults who:
- Ensure the practice follows safeguarding laws and guidance
- Support patients and families who may need help
- Work with local safeguarding partners in Birmingham and Solihull
To speak with a Safeguarding Lead, please contact reception and ask for a confidential discussion.
Remember: You Will Be Heard, You Will Be Taken Seriously, and Your Safety Matters
If you’re unsure whether something is a safeguarding concern — please contact us.