TACKLING mental health issues, raising awareness of domestic abuse, and providing guidance on scams and doorstep crime are all topics set to be covered during West Yorkshire’s Safeguarding Week, which begins on October 9.

All local safeguarding boards and community safety partnerships across the region have joined forces with West Yorkshire Police and Crime Commissioner Mark Burns-Williamson and West Yorkshire Police to hold workshops and events aimed at informing the public and professionals about how to protect the most vulnerable across the county.

Facebook Live broadcasts will be held throughout the week, starting with Mr Burns-Williamson and Superintendent Darren Minton, of West Yorkshire Police's Safeguarding Unit, highlighting the work being done to keep people safe.

Mr Burns-Williamson said: “Safeguarding is ‘everyone’s business’ and is central to the work of police and partners, so it is only right we come together to highlight how we can help safeguard the vulnerable adults and children in the region.

“Safeguarding people was considered the greatest priority by people responding to my “Your Priorities, Your Plan” consultation, with 70 per cent of people saying it was important to them.

“I would urge people to get involved and contact their local authority to see what is on offer in their area, learn about protecting themselves and others, and above all know the services are there for them when they need them.”

West Yorkshire Assistant Chief Constable Catherine Hankinson added: “Safeguarding is at the heart of everything West Yorkshire Police does.

"We have specialist safeguarding units in each of our five policing districts and despite cuts to our overall policing budget, this is an area we continue to invest in in order to increase our resources.”

In Bradford, the opening event on Monday sees Carlisle Business Centre host the ‘Safeguarding Adults Making It Real’ conference, addressing issues such as adult abuse, doorstep crime, scams, fraud, bullying, and hate crime.

Other events taking place throughout the week will focus on topics including dementia, suicide awareness, autism, human trafficking, and safety on social media.

Councillor Val Slater, Bradford Council’s executive member for health and wellbeing, said: “Safeguarding Week provides an important way to share ideas and learn from each other.

"It is a great opportunity for all our partners and safeguarding boards to come together to ensure children and adults in the district live safely.”

For a full programme of activities in Bradford, visit bradfordscb.org.uk.