Your latest update from Safer Bradford

View as a webpage  /  Share

Safer Bradford Stay Connected header

November 2024

Understanding Self-neglect 

Hello everyone, I'm Darren Minton, Safeguarding Partnership Business Manager. As we move past the excitement of Halloween and the sparkle of Bonfire Night, it's a good time to reflect on other ways we can look out for each other in our community. These events remind us how much safety matters, whether it's keeping our loved ones safe on a dark night or supporting those around us in more everyday challenges.

This month, I want to talk about something that doesn't always get much attention but affects many adults around us—self-neglect. Self-neglect is often overlooked or misunderstood, and knowing how to help someone going through it can be not easy. So, let's take a closer look at what self-neglect is, how it differs from hoarding, and where to find support if you or someone you know might need it.


What is Self-Neglect?

Self-neglect happens when someone isn't taking care of themselves or their environment in ways necessary to stay safe and healthy. It can involve neglecting personal hygiene, living in unsafe conditions, or not seeking medical help when it's needed. Self-neglect is often complex and can be influenced by factors like mental health challenges, past trauma, or social isolation.

Examples of Self-Neglect:

  • Personal Care: Not bathing regularly, not changing clothes, or neglecting basic hygiene.
  • Health Needs: Ignoring medical advice, missing medical appointments, or not taking prescribed medications.
  • Living Conditions: Keeping a home unsafe or unsanitary, with extreme clutter or even hoarding items.

It's important to understand that self-neglect is rarely a "lifestyle choice." It can be a response to emotional distress, past trauma, or even a way of coping with feelings of loss or loneliness.

For more details on identifying self-neglect, visit Safer Bradford's information page: www.saferbradford.co.uk/adults


Self-neglect vs. Hoarding

Hoarding is a distinct behaviour where a person finds it difficult to discard items, even if they have little value. People who hoard tend to form strong attachments to their possessions, making it highly challenging to let go.

Self-neglect, on the other hand, usually involves a broader lack of self-care and can stem from different root causes.

If you or someone you know may be dealing with hoarding specifically, Bradford has resources available, including frameworks designed to help individuals safely manage and reduce clutter. The Bradford Local Authority website provides guidance on these services - www.bradford.gov.uk/


Recognising the Signs of Self-neglect

It can be challenging to spot self-neglect, especially if someone is reluctant to share their situation. However, there are some signs that may indicate a person is struggling with self-care:

  • They may appear physically unwell, with noticeable issues in personal hygiene.
  • Their home may be cluttered, messy, or even hazardous to live in.
  • They may withdraw socially, avoiding friends, family, or neighbours.
  • They might refuse offers of help or insist everything is fine when there are clear concerns.

If you notice these signs in a friend, family member, or neighbor, it may be worth reaching out to see if they're open to support. You can gently check in by asking if they need help or offering practical support, like helping with small tasks around the home.


How to Offer Support

Approaching someone who may be experiencing self-neglect can be challenging. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Be Compassionate: Self-neglect can stem from feelings of shame or fear, so approach the conversation with empathy and understanding.
  2. Listen Without Judgment: Give the person space to talk about their situation without immediately jumping in with solutions.
  3. Encourage Small Steps: Often, suggesting small, manageable tasks (like tidying one part of a room or making one doctor's appointment) can feel less overwhelming than a major change.
  4. Offer Practical Help: If appropriate, offer to help with specific tasks, like shopping or cleaning, rather than vague offers of "let me know if you need anything."

For more guidance on how to approach self-neglect sensitively, the Bradford Local Authority offers resources and advice for family members and friends. Visit the Self-neglect page for information on local support - www.bradford.gov.uk/


Where to Get Help

If you're concerned about someone's wellbeing, there are several options for support in Bradford:

  • Safer Bradford: For guidance on self-neglect and adult safeguarding, visit the Safer Bradford website - www.saferbradford.co.uk/adults
  • Adult Social Care in Bradford: Contact Bradford Adult Social Care directly if you believe someone's safety or health is at serious risk due to self-neglect. You can report a concern through the Safer Bradford reporting page - www.saferbradford.co.uk/report-a-concern or call the helpline at 01274 431077
  • Local Support Services: Bradford also offers community resources like mental health support, housing assistance, and financial guidance for those struggling to manage their personal care or household needs.

Empowering Ourselves to Act

Self-neglect is a complex and often hidden issue, but there are ways we can support those who may be struggling. Whether it's reaching out to a loved one or being informed about the available resources, we can all play a part in making our community safer and more supportive.

While self-neglect can often go unnoticed, it's one of many safeguarding issues that deserve our attention. As we approach Safeguarding Adults Week, we have a dedicated opportunity to raise awareness about self-neglect and other key concerns affecting vulnerable adults."


Safeguarding Adults Week 2024

Safeguarding Adults Week: Working in Partnership to Protect Vulnerable Adults

As part of our focus on adult safeguarding, Safeguarding Adults Week 2024 is taking place from Monday 18 to Friday 22 November. This week is an important time for organisations and communities to come together to raise awareness and work in partnership to protect vulnerable adults.

This year's theme, "SAFEGUARDING ADULTS: A MULTI-AGENCY APPROACH", highlights how critical it is for different sectors to collaborate to prevent the abuse and neglect of adults with care and support needs. Safeguarding Adults Week gives us all the opportunity to:

  • Raise awareness of key safeguarding issues in our community.
  • Start essential conversations about protecting vulnerable adults.
  • Learn to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect.
  • Build confidence in recording and reporting safeguarding concerns.

Now in its seventh year, Safeguarding Adults Week has grown into a vital national event focused on supporting adults in need of care.

You can find out more about Safeguarding Adults Week on the Safer Bradford website here - saferbradford.co.uk/resources/adults/safeguarding-adults-week-2024/ 

As we wrap up Safeguarding Adults Week, we also look ahead to the 16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse, beginning on 25 November. This important campaign brings our community together to stand against domestic abuse and offer support to those affected.


16 Days of Action Against Domestic Abuse: Join Us in Raising Awareness

Starting on Monday 25 November, we'll be marking the 16 Days of Action campaign, a global initiative to raise awareness about domestic abuse and gender-based violence. This period is a time for communities, organisations, and individuals to come together to take a stand against abuse, offering support and resources for those affected and promoting education about domestic abuse.

Throughout the 16 Days of Action, the Bradford Domestic and Sexual Violence (DSV) website will be updated with details of local events, resources, and ways to get involved. Keep an eye out for updates - whether it's participating in a community event or learning more about the impact of domestic abuse. There are many ways to support this cause, so stay informed.


Advice and Support for Domestic Abuse

Domestic abuse takes many forms, from physical and emotional abuse to financial and psychological control. If you or someone you know may be experiencing domestic abuse, there are resources available to help. The Safer Bradford website provides:

  • A wealth of information on recognising the signs of abuse.
  • Ways to get help.
  • Advice on staying safe.

Here are some practical steps if you or a loved one may be facing domestic abuse:

  • Know the Signs: Domestic abuse isn't always obvious. Besides physical violence, it can include isolation, manipulation, threats, and controlling behaviour.
  • Create a Safety Plan: If you're in an unsafe situation, having a plan can help. This might include trusted contacts, emergency numbers, and knowing where to go if you need to leave.
  • Reach Out for Help: You don't have to face this alone. Contacting a trusted friend, family member, or a local support service can make a big difference.

For more information on local support and guidance on domestic abuse, visit the Safer Bradford website - www.saferbradford.co.uk/.


Looking Ahead to December: Loneliness and Staying Warm

As the colder months approach, we'll focus on loneliness and staying warm in December's blog. Winter can be a challenging time, especially for those who may feel isolated or struggle to keep warm. We'll be sharing resources and advice on how to stay connected, stay warm, and find support if you need it.

That's it for November - see you in December!


Together, let's make every season a safer one for our community.

Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture - City of Bradford Metropolitan District Council