As the Chief Officer for SEDCAT (South East Dorset Community Accessible Transport), our Community Hero in the Spotlight, Natascha and her team often come across vulnerable adults in our communities.
Vulnerable adults are those who are unable to look after themselves, protect themselves from harm or exploitation or are unable to report abuse themselves.
SEDCAT provide transport to adults who can’t get out and about without assistance. They collect people from their own homes to go shopping, to lunch, and to medical appointments. Find out more about SEDCAT by visiting their website: https://www.sedcat.org.uk/
Natascha says:
‘Most of SEDCAT’s clients are older, vulnerable community members who live alone and have little to no family living nearby. This means our drivers may be the only person they see on a regular basis which gives us the opportunity to identify clients at risk and report our concerns. They may not be reported to Adult Safeguarding but to their next of kin, or their GP Surgeries, who can then support them.’
If you feel a vulnerable adult is being abused you can:
• Call 999 if there is an immediate threat to life
• Contact their GP surgery to express your concerns
• Contact their family (unless you suspect they are the cause of abuse)
• Contact the Safeguarding Adults Board.
E: asc.contactcentre@bcpcouncil.gov.uk
T: 01202 123 654