Teeswide Safeguarding Adults Board

30/08/2026

💜 National Grief Awareness Day

Grief doesn't always start after a loss. On National Grief Awareness Day we recognise that grief comes in many forms.

For many people, particularly carers, family members, and close friends, feelings of grief can begin while a loved one is still alive. This is known as anticipatory grief.

These feelings can include sadness, anxiety, uncertainty, and a sense of loss as a person's health, independence, or personality changes over time.

Today is an opportunity to check in on those around us, listen without judgement, and remind people that they don't have to face grief alone.

💜To find support from services in your area visit - https://www.tsab.org.uk/campaigns-and-initiatives/find-support-in-your-area/

Bereavement Support - Teesside Hospice, Cruse Bereavement Mental Health Support Network provided by Chasing the Stigma | Hub of hope Carers Safe Place Scheme

20/08/2026

On Tuesday, we had the pleasure of visiting Independent Voices to talk about how services can make it easier for people to engage.

It was a great opportunity to listen and learn from people's experiences, including what works well, the challenges they face, and what can help make things better.

Their feedback included:
📣Ask me what I need
👂Listen to me
⏳Be patient
👫Understand people with different abilities
🫶Be kind
❌Don’t judge
🗣No Jargon

These simple messages can make a big difference in helping people feel heard, understood, and included.

A big thank you to Independent Voices for welcoming us and sharing their experiences.

By working together, we can help make services more inclusive and person-centred for everyone💙

Skills for People in Teesside

29/07/2026

New domestic abuse specialists for police control room❤️

Cleveland Police has been selected for the roll-out of Raneem's Law - a project to improve the police response to domestic abuse from the very first point of contact.

Raneem’s Law was introduced in memory of Raneem Oudeh and her mother Khaola Saleem, who were murdered by Raneem’s ex-husband in the West Midlands in 2018.

Despite making four 999 calls to police on the night of the murders, police did not respond in time.

In Cleveland, a pool of domestic abuse specialists from Harbour Support Services will work now directly within Cleveland Police’s control room.

They will:

➡ Provide real-time advice to officers and staff
➡ Help to assess risk and safeguard vulnerable people
➡ Act as a 'critical friend' to staff
➡ Work during periods of peak demand for domestic incidents

The scheme will help to enhance the service provided to victims and survivors.

Read more: https://shorturl.at/gckRs

23/07/2026

⁉️ What is Romance Fraud?

✅Find out more from Cleveland Police below 👇

This week we’ve reaffirmed our commitment to tackling serious and organised crime – including online offending - through the regional initiative Operation Sentinel and today we’re raising awareness of romance fraud 💕

Because many people can be reluctant to believe they’ve been scammed or they feel embarrassed, police forces often don’t know the precise number of victims, but we have had three cases reported to Cleveland Police in just the last month.

Enquiries into each report are ongoing.

What is romance fraud and how does it work❓

Fraudsters use fake profiles on dating platforms or social media sites to manipulate victims by using photographs and identities stolen from someone else’s profile.

There have even been instances where celebrity profiles have been used.

This particular style of fraud is not a ‘quick hit’ for the offenders - it can occur over months if not years, with offenders building up trust through online communication, often steering victims away from the site onto email, text or phone and sometimes sending gifts or flowers.

The fraudsters often target people who may be lonely or who have just come out of long-term relationships.

🗣️ Detective Sergeant Kev Appleby from Cleveland Police’s Fraud Unit said: “If someone you’ve never met in person asks for money, investment funds, gift cards, cryptocurrency, or access to your bank account, treat it as a major warning sign, seek advice from family or close friends and report the matter to Report Fraud, Cleveland Police via 101 or 999 (only in an emergency) as well as to the dating website or platform you used.

“Romance fraud can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. Victims should never feel embarrassed about reporting it—these offenders are skilled manipulators who deliberately exploit other people’s trust and emotions. The realisation that a relationship was not real can trigger many challenging thoughts and feelings. This can be especially difficult as these will be in great contrast to how a victim felt before they found out.”

22/07/2026

Great advice from our colleagues at the Regional Organised Crime Unit Network👇

*** SCAM ALERT – BE AWARE! ***

⚠️ The Regional Organised Crime Unit Network has made us aware of an increase in scams linked to:

🔴 Argos – Fraudsters use login details obtained through data breaches to access Argos accounts and order goods.

🔴 Vinted – Scam emails claim an account has been suspended and ask users to submit an appeal or provide login details.

🔴 Car Tax – Fake GOV.UK emails or messages request payment for vehicle tax and often link to phishing websites.

🔴 Solar Panels – Criminals contact homeowners after installation, pretending to be the warranty provider and requesting payment to transfer or maintain the warranty.

‼️ There have also been incidents of impersonation and courier fraud across the North East, including parts of Stockton. Criminals have convinced victims they have overpaid on mortgages, that bank staff are investigating counterfeit currency, or that money must be transferred to a "safe account" or handed to a courier.

Stay safe:
➡️ Be cautious of calls, emails, or messages from unknown contacts.
➡️ Never share personal or banking details with unsolicited callers.
➡️ If someone claims to be from the police or your bank, end the conversation and contact the organisation directly using verified contact details.
📞 Use the 159 service, which will quickly connect you to your bank, 101 for police enquiries, or 999 in an emergency.
🔗 Report fraud at www.reportfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040.

15/07/2026

As the semi-final approaches - let's make sure the only thing coming home is football.

Cheer for your team - but never let it turn into harm behind closed doors.

No one should have to live with fear, control, violence, or abuse.
It is time to draw a line and call out abuse 🚫

See Something, Say Something!
❗Report abuse: https://www.tsab.org.uk/report-abuse/
🤝Find support in your area: https://www.tsab.org.uk/campai.../find-support-in-your-area/

In an emergency always dial 999! See less

15/07/2026

National Day of Memory for Victims of Honour-based Abuse

"Today marks the National Day of Memory for victims of honour-based abuse. It marks Shafilea Ahmed's birthday - she was murdered by those who were meant to protect her.

Many of us working in this sector come with lived experience, passion, and an understanding of the challenges vulnerable women and girls face in trying to get the help they desperately need to stay alive. One of my reasons for this work was knowing women whose lives were destroyed by years of abuse that resulted in honour-based abuse related suicides. I vowed I would keep their memory alive.

Today we launch the Say Her Name campaign to change the way we respond to these deaths. Domestic abuse related suicides have now surpassed domestic homicides - three women a week is the reported figure, but behind that number are names, faces, and families still waiting for justice.

We can collectively change the way investigations are conducted. We can change a system that fails to recognise honour-based abuse related suicides. What we cannot do is stay silent.

Please read our campaign, sign the letter, and together we can give victims the justice they deserve."

13/07/2026

Tomorrow marks The Day of Memory for Honour Based Abuse.

On 14 July every year, we remember those lost to Honour Based Abuse and we bring renewed hope to those who need it.

Visit - https://karmanirvana.org.uk/campaigns/day-of-memory/

Local Specialist Services for Honour Based Abuse and Domestic Abuse include:
Halo Project
My Sisters Place
Harbour Support Services
Eva's House

Karma Nirvana

10/07/2026

Are you routinely asking about alcohol use? If not – you could be missing crucial risks.

All staff in health and social care, the criminal justice system, community and voluntary sector services should:

✅Routinely identify people whose health is at risk from alcohol use
✅Use a validated screening tool such as the alcohol use disorders identification test (AUDIT) or a short-form of it (AUDIT-C) or ASSIST-Lite (when drug use and to***co smoking are involved).
✅Use a MECC (Make Every Contact) approach to ensure no opportunities are missed, encouraging informal conversations to identify alcohol-related harm.

Read TSAB's recent Newsletter for more information https://www.tsab.org.uk/key-information/newsletters/tsab-newsletter-june-2026/

08/07/2026

During Alcohol Awareness Week, people are encouraged to take a moment to reflect on how alcohol may be affecting their health and wellbeing, including sleep, energy levels and anxiety. The campaign highlights that alcohol is often normalised through advertising and social expectations, but drinking habits are worth reviewing.

A new 3-minute "Check Your Drinking" quiz is available to help individuals assess their relationship with alcohol and receive practical advice on making positive changes.

https://alcoholchange.org.uk/alcohol-facts/interactive-tools/check-your-drinking?fbclid=IwY2xjawS68yNleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETBqc1gyUHdxcGN5YUpOSEpEc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHqgWppoADpPU4vDk75Uot0dLfzYPziYtWByYArP4SYj3EdmdKnYhAkq_AV3d_aem_LxMNUoOKqWL2Pma-wKuPJw

Alcohol Change UK

It's time to have a different conversation this Alcohol Awareness Week!💬

Whether it’s sleepless nights, low energy or increased anxiety, alcohol can affect us in ways we don’t always realise. With glamourised alcohol ads and social norms, alcohol often feels like an inevitable part of so many of our lives. But it doesn't have to be.

We're inviting you to take 3 minutes to explore the role alcohol is playing in your life by using our new check your drinking tool.📱

We get it! Exploring your relationship with alcohol may feel uncomfortable, but it doesn't have to feel like a big deal, it's like going for a GP appointment or getting your car MOT, something we check in on to make sure everything is ticking along as it should!👩‍⚕️🚗

Use our quick quiz to check in on your drinking this week and receive practical tips on how you can make positive changes to protect your health and wellbeing.👇
https://bit.ly/4w61ATu

Why not look out for a friend or loved one too? Share this with someone to encourage them to pause and reflect on the role alcohol plays in their life. 💌