On 14th January, the Government, working with independent pharmacies and Boots, have launched an initiative to help domestic abuse victims get the urgent help they need from the thousands of pharmacies across the UK.

The scheme, called “Ask for ANI” allows those at risk or suffering from domestic abuse to discreetly signal they need help. When are person asks for ANI (which is an acronym for Action Needed Immediately), a trained pharmacy worker will take them to a private space, where the appropriate help can be accessed, whether that’s calling the police or accessing support services.

Visit the Home Office for the training toolkit for pharmacies

Fraudsters are targeting elderly and vulnerable people with a vaccine scam and asking for bank details or cash payments for access to vaccines that are fake or non-existent.

In the UK, coronavirus vaccines will only be available via the NHS in England, Northern Ireland, Wales and Scotland. At the appropriate time, people will be contacted directly by the NHS, their employer, a GP surgery or local pharmacy to receive the vaccine.

The vaccine is free of charge and at no point will people be asked to pay. The NHS will never ask for payment for vaccines or bank details.

It is important to be alert to these types of scams. Genuine text messages from the UK Government will only come from UK_Gov and you will only ever be directed to GOV.UK/coronavirus.

If you have already shared banking details after having received a similar message, you should contact your bank.

The public are asked to remember that the NHS will never:

• Ask for bank account or card details;
• Ask for a PIN or banking password;
• Arrive unannounced at someone’s home to administer the vaccine;
• Demand proof of identity by sending copies of personal documents such as a passport, driving licence, bills or pay slips.

Where to report if you are a victim of fraud:

• If you receive a call you believe to be fraudulent, hang up. If you are suspicious about an email you have received, forward it to report@phishing.gov.uk. Suspicious text messages should be forwarded to the number 7726 which is free of charge.
• If you believe you are the victim of a fraud, please report this to Action Fraud as soon as possible by calling 0300 123 2040 or visiting www.actionfraud.police.uk.
• If you have any information relating to vaccine fraud you can stay 100% anonymous by contacting Crimestoppers COVID Fraud Hotline online; covidfraudhotline.org or phone 0800 587 5030.

For more advice on keeping safe from scams during the pandemic, visit our page dedicated to adult safeguarding advice in the context of Covid-19. 

The BBC radio series 'The Archers' has been tackling the issue of Modern Slavery. In the latest episode it was revealed that the three British-born men, who have been enslaved by builders and kept at a secret location, all have a learning or mental health disability. 

The Lambeth Safeguarding Adults Board is focused on raising awareness of this issue. 

Victims of modern slavery are forced, deceived or coerced into exploitation. It is often is often a hidden crime. Victims may be too scared to disclose what has happened to them, sometimes for fear of violence to them or their family. Some victims do not even realise that they are being exploited. This simple leaflet outlines some of the possible signs that someone is a victim of crime. 

Modern slavery in the UK can take many forms, including forced sexual exploitation, domestic slavery or forced labour on farms, in construction, shops, bars, nail bars, car washes or manufacturing. To help you understand the different types of modern slavery, take a look at our leaflet.

If you are concerned you’ve come across modern slavery it is important you report it if you feel safe to do so.
In an emergency, you should always call 999. In a non-emergency, call the police helpline on 101.

For confidential advice, you can also contact the modern slavery helpline on 0800 0121 700. 

The Social Care Institute for Excellence (SCIE), as part of the Safeguarding Training Fund in collaboration with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport and the National Lottery Community Fund, are pleased to invite you to our online webinar on the safeguarding responsibilities for trustees in faith-based organisations.

To find out more and to register for your free place, visit SCIE's webiste.