A NEW scheme to help people at risk of abuse or neglect has been launched in Oxfordshire.

The Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children’s Board and Adult Board Housing Network brings together an array of organisations, including Oxfordshire Safeguarding Children Board (OSCB), Oxfordshire Safeguarding Adults Board (OSAB), Sovereign Housing Association and Response mental health charity with around 40 other providers.

The network, which held its first meeting this month, will work to share best practice and highlight concerns, while also sharing learning from serious case reviews.

Strategic safeguarding partnerships manager for OSCB, Tan Lea, said: “Safeguarding work covers a wide range of concerns ranging from emotional and physical abuse to neglect, exploitation, controlling behaviour, forced marriage or human trafficking.

"Ultimately, our job is to protect those who might be at risk of abuse or neglect, and offer care and support to adults and children who are affected.

“As such, it’s hugely important that those ‘out on the ground’ are aware of the times when they can and should share information to make sure that Oxfordshire’s residents are kept safe.

"That’s one of the reasons why we’ve formed this new network."