Written Question · S5W-29476 · Session 5
What plans it has to safeguard (a) vulnerable and (b) autistic and other neurodivergent people from abuse and exploitation (i) during and (…
The question
To ask the Scottish Government what plans it has to safeguard (a) vulnerable and (b) autistic and other neurodivergent people from abuse and exploitation (i) during and (ii) following the COVID-19 lockdown.
The answer
To safeguard vulnerable people during the Covid-19 lockdown guidance for Chief Officers and Adult Protection Committees on adult support and protection has been published https://www.gov.scot/publications/coronavirus-covid-19-adult-support-and-protection-guidance/ ). The Coronavirus (COVID19) Adult support and Protection Guidance provides additional guidance to the Adult Support and Protection Code of Practice in relation to the current COVID-19 outbreak and its aim is to support local decisions and the development of local guidance around safe, effective and proportionate adult support and protection activity at this time.
Our ‘Clear Your Head’ campaign https://clearyourhead.scot/ highlights the practical things people can do to help them feel better whilst continuing to stay at home, acknowledging these are worrying and uncertain times for many. Along with a range of tips on how to stay positive, the campaign website clearyourhead.scot signposts sources of help and advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
In regard to autistic people, we know that the restrictions will have had an impact on our mental health and wellbeing, but being autistic may make it really difficult to adapt to the changes to routine, and increase levels of anxiety. That is why the Scottish Government has provided an additional £200,000 of support for Scottish Autism and the National Autistic Society.
The funding for the National Autistic Society will enable that organisation to turn many of its face to face services – for example the social groups it runs – into online services. This will help autistic people and parents and carers to keep in touch – enabling people who are facing similar challenges to support each other, even if they cannot meet each other.
The funding for Scottish Autism is for their Autism Helpline. The helpline is already a trusted source of advice and support for people who need it. Our funding will increase its capacity to help people, at a time when there is a high demand for its services.
During this time we have all been asked to stay at home but unfortunately for many people suffering domestic abuse, home is not a safe haven. Support is available 24/7 on Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234. We have also developed a COVID-19 domestic abuse emergency response to maintain delivery of vital services.
We have also provided support to third sector organisations, including an additional £1.5 million provided to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland. In partnership with People First we have produced a Domestic Abuse Easy read guide, including what coercive and controlling behaviour is and where people can get help. These documents will be on the safer Scotland website soon.
Our ‘Clear Your Head’ campaign https://clearyourhead.scot/ highlights the practical things people can do to help them feel better whilst continuing to stay at home, acknowledging these are worrying and uncertain times for many. Along with a range of tips on how to stay positive, the campaign website clearyourhead.scot signposts sources of help and advice including NHS Inform, and helplines including NHS24, Breathing Space, SAMH and the Samaritans.
In regard to autistic people, we know that the restrictions will have had an impact on our mental health and wellbeing, but being autistic may make it really difficult to adapt to the changes to routine, and increase levels of anxiety. That is why the Scottish Government has provided an additional £200,000 of support for Scottish Autism and the National Autistic Society.
The funding for the National Autistic Society will enable that organisation to turn many of its face to face services – for example the social groups it runs – into online services. This will help autistic people and parents and carers to keep in touch – enabling people who are facing similar challenges to support each other, even if they cannot meet each other.
The funding for Scottish Autism is for their Autism Helpline. The helpline is already a trusted source of advice and support for people who need it. Our funding will increase its capacity to help people, at a time when there is a high demand for its services.
During this time we have all been asked to stay at home but unfortunately for many people suffering domestic abuse, home is not a safe haven. Support is available 24/7 on Scotland’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0800 027 1234. We have also developed a COVID-19 domestic abuse emergency response to maintain delivery of vital services.
We have also provided support to third sector organisations, including an additional £1.5 million provided to Scottish Women’s Aid and Rape Crisis Scotland. In partnership with People First we have produced a Domestic Abuse Easy read guide, including what coercive and controlling behaviour is and where people can get help. These documents will be on the safer Scotland website soon.
In the Official Report
No contribution in the Official Report cites S5W-29476 by reference.