Is this a safeguarding concern?
A mental-health problem by itself is not a safeguarding concern. Safeguarding routes are used where there may be abuse, neglect, exploitation or harm, or where a child's safety and care are affected.
For an adult in England, the statutory safeguarding test concerns an adult who has care and support needs, is experiencing or at risk of abuse or neglect, and because of those needs cannot protect themselves. The legal wording differs elsewhere in the UK, so use the nation-specific route below.
Sources: Care Act guidance and UK safeguarding routes
What to report
- Say who you are worried about and where they are. Give names and contact details if you know them.
- Describe what you have seen or heard. Include dates, injuries, threats, lack of food or care, unsafe supervision, financial exploitation or other specific concerns.
- Say whether a child is in the household. Explain what the child has seen, heard or been expected to do, including any caring responsibilities.
Source: official child-protection reporting guidance
If you are worried about a child
England
Contact the children's social care team at the child's local council. GOV.UK provides a postcode finder. Call 999 if the child is at immediate risk.
Wales
Welsh Government says to call 999 if the child is in immediate danger. Otherwise contact local social services or call police on 101.
Scotland
Scottish Government says to call 999 for immediate danger, police on 101 if a crime may have been committed, or contact the local authority social work service to report a child-protection concern.
Northern Ireland
Contact the relevant Health and Social Care Trust's Gateway Service or the police. Calls about a child's safety are treated in confidence and you can choose whether to give your name.
If you are unsure what to do
Adults worried about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000. It is not an emergency service, and opening hours can change. Check the current NSPCC Helpline details.
If you are worried about an adult
England
Contact the adult safeguarding team at the local council where the adult lives or where the harm is happening. Call 999 if they are in immediate danger.
Wales
Welsh Government says to contact local social services about an adult in your family or community, or call police on 101.
Scotland
Adult-protection concerns can be referred to the council for the area where the adult is living. Call 999 if there is immediate danger.
Northern Ireland
Report suspected abuse, exploitation or neglect to the Adult Protection Gateway Service in the local Health and Social Care Trust. You can also tell the police.
Related guides
Here for Someone is an independent information project. It is not a safeguarding service or legal adviser. This page points to official reporting routes; local services decide how a concern is assessed.
Sources checked: 27 August 2026
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