To mark National Adult Support and Protection Awareness Day earlier this week, organisations across Falkirk District have been raising awareness of the different ways vulnerable adults may be at risk of harm, and how people can report concerns if they think something isn’t right.

National Adult Support and Protection (ASP) Awareness Day 2024 took place on Tuesday 20^th February, with a theme highlights the emerging and growing issue of “sextortion” scams. Sextortion involves fraudsters using the threat of sharing sexual information, photos, or videos to demand money, or to pressure people into sending further information.

Along with third sector organisations and groups across the district, Falkirk Health and Social Care Partnership (HSCP), Police Scotland, Falkirk Council, NHS Forth Valley, and Scottish Fire and Rescue, have been encouraging people to say something if they see something that isn’t right.

Anyone can be a victim of crime or harm, but organisers of the National ASP Day want people to look out especially for those who are more at risk because of their physical or mental health condition, illness, reliance on others for care, or experience of previous trauma. Groups are encouraging people to speak up about any concerns they have, as the person at risk may not be able to do so themselves.

Further information on adult protection (including local contacts if you are worried about someone at risk of harm or neglect) is available via the Act Against Harm website.

Alternatively, concerns can be reported to the Police by phone: 101; if someone is in immediate danger, phone 999.

Resources from the National Adult Support and Protection Awareness campaign are also available to view on social media, via the hashtags #ASPD2024 or #SeenSomethingSaySomething.