What is safeguarding?
The Care Act statutory guidance defines adult safeguarding as:
‘Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action.’
There are several types of abuse:
- Physical
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual
- Psychological
- Financial or Material
- Neglect
- Self-Neglect
- Modern Slavery
- Discriminatory
- Organisational
Further details about these abuse types can be found on our safeguarding adults page.
Where an adult appears to have care and support needs (whether or not the local council is meeting any of those needs) and may be at risk of or experiencing abuse or neglect, the council will work with the person and make further enquiries to see how they can help.
For more information on Camden’s approach to safeguarding, you can watch the below video:
Or the British Sign Language version below:
If you think someone is in immediate danger, call the police on 999 straight away. If it is not urgent, call 101.

To contact Adult Social Care and request a discussion about your care and support needs, complete the Camden Adult Social Care Referral Form.
If you are having difficulties completing the referral form or require urgent support, please phone Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444, and when prompted, say ‘Adult Social Care’.

If you are worried about the welfare of a child or young person, please phone Camden Council Children & Families Contact Service on 020 7974 3317 (Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm).
If you are calling outside office hours, weekends or bank holiday, phone Camden Council on 020 7974 4444, and say 'Children & Families Contact Service, when prompted.
Email: [email protected].
See the Children & Families Contact Service website for more information.

If you are concerned about the immediate safety of a vulnerable person, please phone Contact Camden on 020 7974 4444, and when prompted, say ‘Adult Social Care’.