11.11.22
 
A White Ribbon Ambassador and award-winning domestic abuse advocate with personal experience of coercive control within his family brings his inspiring story to Cardiff next week, as part of National Safeguarding Week (November 14 - 18).

Ryan Hart's mother and sister were brutally killed at the hands of his father but with his brother Luke, they have used the tragedy to help others by raising awareness and speaking out against male violence towards women and girls. The brothers founded the Coercion and Control Awareness (CoCo Awareness) organisation in memory of their mother and sister, and also wrote a memoir which has been described as ‘an important contribution to our understanding of domestic abuse.'

Ryan will speak at the Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board's conference on November 15, one of a number of events during the week for safeguarding professionals, those working with children or adults as well as sessions for the wider public.

The theme of this year's National Safeguarding Week is ‘The Fundamentals of Safeguarding Practice - Back-to-Basics' and the programme of events has been organised to reinforce the message that safeguarding is everyone's responsibility.

Cabinet Member for Social Services (Children), Cllr Ash Lister, said: "We all have a responsibility to ensure that vulnerable people across our communities can live safely, free from abuse and harm, and National Safeguarding week is a great reminder to us all. Whether you're a member of the public or a professional, there is something for everyone in this week's programme of events and I'd encourage as many people as possible to get involved and play your part in safeguarding."

At the start of the week, the National Safeguarding Training Standards are being launched, setting out the expectations for knowledge, skills, attitudes and values for people working with adults and children who may be at risk of abuse, harm or neglect.

Events for the public include a session on Keeping Your Child Safe in Sport with the NSPCC Child Protection in Sport Unit.  The week will conclude with the Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board Recognition Awards, celebrating the outstanding contributions of those having a real impact in people's lives, which will be attended by Cllr Lister and Cllr Norma Mackie, Cabinet Member for Social Services (Adults).

Cllr Mackie, said: "Safeguarding really is everyone's business - not only for those who work in a safeguarding role, but for all of us. Sometimes it's hard to know how to recognise if someone is at risk of harm or exploitation and what to do if we are concerned about someone.

"That's why the theme of this year's Safeguarding Week is so relevant - back to basics. The events throughout the week will help us all become better informed about safeguarding."

For more information about the Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan Regional Safeguarding Board  visit https://www.cardiffandvalersb.co.uk/ and for the full programme of events for National Safeguarding Week,  go to NSW Programme 2022 (002).pptx (cardiffandvalersb.co.uk)