Protecting vulnerable adults

What is adult protection?

We have a legal duty to protect people that we feel may be at risk. This may be because they cannot safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or interests putting them at risk of harm. Alternatively, they may be affected by a physical or mental disability, illness or infirmity making them more vulnerable to being harmed.

In East Lothian, the adult protection procedure aims to provide a system that a range of organisations or individuals can use to report and respond to situations where it is suspected, alleged or known that a vulnerable adult has been abused.

Abuse can range from physical to sexual, financial or material (such as theft, fraud or exploitation), neglect or discrimination.

If you suspect abuse

If you suspect that someone you know or come into contact with is being abused, you should report it immediately to our social work service or the police.

We will work with all our partners to investigate the allegation and put in place measures needed to safeguard the individual. You can download our Protecting Vulnerable Adults document to find out more about types of abuse and how we work with other services across the region.

If your concern is outwith normal office hours, you should contact the emergency social work service or Lothian and Borders Police.

Contact information

The Access Service details are shown at the bottom of this page, but further emergency details are listed below.

Fax number: 0131 555 0960

Freephone minicom: 0800 731 6963

Emergency social work: 0800 731 6969 (out of hours only)

Police stations

Dunbar: 01368 862718
Haddington: 01620 824101
Musselburgh: 0131 665 9696
North Berwick: 01620 893585
Prestonpans: 01875 810250
Tranent: 01875 610333

If you require an emergency response please dial 999.