A VIRTUAL conference is to take place later this month to mark Safeguarding Week 2021.

Partners from Safeguarding Adults Boards, Children’s Safeguarding Partnerships, Community Safety Partnerships across North Yorkshire, the City of York and East Riding have come together and developed an extensive programme of learning events, seminars and interactive sessions which all underpin this year’s theme - ‘Safeguarding is everybody’s businesses.

The conference, from June 21 to 25, boasts a packed programme of sessions, with the majority catering for both members of the public who want to learn more about safeguarding, and professionals wanting to develop their skills and knowledge.

Covering topics such as self-neglect, loneliness and isolation, babies in lockdown, modern slavery, domestic abuse and child exploitation, the sessions have been designed to stimulate discussion, spark innovation and share best practice.

Each session will be delivered by speakers, all of whom are experts in their field. The full programme of events is open for viewing and booking via the North Yorkshire Police Eventbrite webpage - early registration is recommended to avoid disappointment.

Detective Superintendent Allan Harder, lead for safeguarding at North Yorkshire Police said: “It is fantastic to see so many agencies come together under current circumstances to ensure Safeguarding Week 2021 can still take place.

"This is a vital week in our calendar. It allows experts, professionals, volunteers and members of the public to come together, share best practice and learn about the most recent developments in the field.

"The programme of events taking place across the week is a reflection of how wide and varied the field of safeguarding is."

Richard Webb, corporate director of health and adult services at North Yorkshire County Council (NYCC) added: “The week gives us the opportunity to demystify ‘Safeguarding’, explain what it is and how everyone, both professionals and members of the public, can get involved.

"Everybody has a part to play in keeping themselves, friends and family, employees and our wider community safe.

"Over the past 16 months of the pandemic, we have seen an outpouring of kindness, consideration and thought for one another, especially for those within our communities who are more vulnerable.

"Safeguarding Week gives everyone a chance to learn more about the agencies and organisations who can support all that goodwill and kindness, ensuring it is sustainable for the long term, resulting in stronger and more resilient communities.”

Visit www.nypolice.eventbrite.com for the full conference programme.

All the agencies involved will be sharing information across their social media channels and website in the run up to Safeguarding week and throughout the week.