Safeguarding Week 2025

Safeguarding Week 2025

The theme of this years Safeguarding Week 2025 is prevention. At TILII, safeguarding isn’t new. It isn’t something we only talk about once a year and then forget. TILII members complete safeguarding refresher training with Lou every two years, so we already know a great deal about what abuse is, how to recognise it, and what steps to take if someone is not safe.

TILII Bangor receiving their certificates for completing their Safeguarding Refresher Training.

So, during Adult Safeguarding Week, the big question wasn’t “What is safeguarding?” The real question was: “Why is it still so important that everyone else understands this too?” And TILII had plenty to say about that.

We know a lot about Safeguarding, but not everyone does

People with a learning disability, autism, and other support needs are often expected to keep themselves safe, but the people around them don’t always have the same level of knowledge. TILII members understand what abuse looks like, that it is wrong, that it is never their fault, and that they have the right to speak up. They also know who their safe people are.

But they want staff, carers, peers, and family members to always take safeguarding seriously. TILII know the rules. Other people need to know them too. That became one of the key messages of the week.

Safeguarding is everyone’s job

Safeguarding isn’t just for managers or “important people.” TILII know that it is about everyday actions:

• listening properly
• taking concerns seriously
• respecting personal space
• speaking kindly
• not taking advantage of people
• checking in when someone seems quiet or different

Even small actions can make a big difference. People with a learning disability, autism, and other support needs have put up with far too much for far too long. That is why it is so important that the people around them understand safeguarding properly.

Teaching through posters, conversations, and training

To mark Adult Safeguarding Week, TILII members made posters to send a message to staff, services, and peers. These were not just for decoration – they were conversation starters and reminders that safety must come first.

Highlighting Safeguarding Week 2025, the posters feature phrases like “Stop Abuse” and “You Must Speak Out,” with unique drawings and handwriting.

Key messages included: “Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility,” “Listen when someone speaks up,” “Abuse is never okay,” and “We all deserve to feel safe.”

TILII wanted people to stop, read, think, and most importantly, understand that safeguarding really matters.

TILII Enniskillen posing with their posters –  celebrating Safeguarding Week 2025 together.

Peers protecting peers

Looking out for each other was another powerful part of the discussion. TILII members talked about noticing small changes in friends: someone going quiet, looking worried, not wanting to talk, suddenly without money, or afraid of a certain person.

Peers can make a difference by checking in, asking “Are you okay?” letting staff know if something feels wrong, and offering support without judgment. Even a small question can really help someone.

When staff get it right. and when they don’t

Good staff make people feel safer, more relaxed, able to speak up, respected, and in control. But when staff don’t take concerns seriously, people go quiet, stop trusting, and think speaking up is pointless. That is dangerous.

TILII wanted staff to know: you don’t need to be perfect, but you do need to care, listen, act, and protect people. And maybe bring a cup of tea while you’re at it – because difficult conversations are always easier with tea.

Why TILII’s voice matters

TILII are not just learning about safeguarding, they are living it, teaching it, and campaigning for it. Their experiences, knowledge, and honesty make a real difference. By talking openly about abuse and safety, they are helping to break silence, make services more accountable, and give others the courage to speak up. Safeguarding Week isn’t just about information, it is about influence. TILII are not just participants. They are leaders in this space.

A message for everyone reading this

TILII wants everyone to remember:

• abuse can happen to anyone
• it is never the person’s fault
• silence protects abusers not victims
• listening can save someone
• safeguarding starts with you

Whether you are staff, a peer, a family member, a friend, or someone just reading this, you have a role to play.

What you can do

You can make a difference by learning the signs of abuse, speaking up if something doesn’t feel right, checking in with friends, supporting without judging, taking training seriously, and being kind. Even small actions can protect someone from harm and give them confidence to speak up.

Remember, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Don’t be silent,  be safe, speak up, and stop abuse.

Notice. Speak up. Act. Support. Protect.

Because when everyone does their part, we all help create a safer, stronger, and more respectful community.

ARC NI Safeguarding Resources

Check out ARC NI’s community support resources on:

1. Staying Safe in the Community 
2. Staying Safe on the Internet
3. Restrictive Practice