Protecting people in East Ayrshire

If you think someone is in immediate danger phone the Police on 999.

Our services are open and continue to provide help and support. If you know, or think you know, someone who is at risk, or is being neglected or harmed, please tell us. You can call us on 01563 554200. We are here to provide help and support.

Alternatively, you can find contacts below, or download our Protecting People In East Ayrshire leaflet (PDF 244Kb).

Important contacts

People who are more at risk

Vulnerable people may become less visible as they remain at home and have less contact with others. Having less contact with others means there is less chance to say if something is not right or if someone feels unsafe or in danger.

In addition, the uncertainty of the situation in general may mean people will not come forward as readily as they would have done before the restrictions were imposed. There have already been increases in calls to domestic abuse services. The following people may be more at risk:

• Children and young people
• Cared for children
• Older people
• People living with partners who are violent or abusive
• People living in households where someone has a drug or alcohol problem
• People who experience thoughts of suicide
• People who self-harm
• People with mental health problems or learning disabilities
• People with physical disabilities
• People with dementia

What you can do if you are worried about someone’s safety or welfare

• In an emergency phone the police on 999
• If you are at all worried about someone’s welfare, it’s better to say something than do nothing – please contact us
• As a friend, neighbour, family member, parent or professional we all have a responsibility to keep people safe from harm
• When children are not at school it is up to us all to keep them safe
• Even if you are not sure about what is going on, report any concerns you have about a child or vulnerable person to us

If you are suffering from abuse or harm

• Don’t accept abuse – reach out and get help
• Help and support is still available as it was before the lockdown

BT 999 silent solutions

If you need help from emergency services and are afraid to speak or can't speak:

1. Dial 999
2. Listen to the questions
3. Respond by coughing or tapping the headset if you can't easily speak
4. If prompted, press 55 - you'll be put through to the police

The video link below, which has sound and subtitles when you select the link, will also show you how to communicate with the emergency service operator.

View video on the Full Fact website.

Here to help brochure

CVO East Ayrshire, in conjunction with the East Ayrshire Protection and Learning Team, has produced a 'Here to Help' brochure. This is filled with advice and tips on how to stay safe and well over the winter months. One of our CVN Course Unlocking Potential trainees put a lot of hard work into creating this bright and colourful resource for all in East Ayrshire.

Download your copy on the CVO East Ayrshire website (PDF 4.66MB) .

Useful links

• Police Scotland's online child sexual abuse campaign
• NHS Inform: Information on how to reduce your risk of falling at home and what to do if you have a fall
• Penumbra: Supporting mental health and wellbeing