Push is on to persuade us to speak up for vulnerable souls

A CAMPAIGN has been launched to highlight the abuse suffered by adults who are unable to protect themselves from harm.

Edinburgh is the first local authority to showcase new powers afforded to Scottish authorities by the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act, which came into force last October.

The Act allows authorities to take out banning orders against individuals who take advantage of vulnerable adults that are either too afraid, or too influenced by their abusers, to speak up.

The new powers allow authorities to act on the concerns of outsiders, and the new campaign has been launched today to inform Edinburgh residents that the power to help these people is “In Your Hands”.

Concerned individuals are being encouraged to contact one of the support agencies so that the person in question can be protected from harm.

Councillor Paul Edie, Health and Social Care Convener, said: “I would ask anyone worried about someone they think is at risk of harm to get in touch. We can make sure that they get the appropriate assistance to protect them or to help them protect themselves.”