Speak Up Act Against Harm! is the message from Fife’s Adult Protection Committee in a drive to protect vulnerable people from physical, emotional, sexual or financial abuse.
Banners launched in Glenrothes aim to make the most of legislation enabling anyone being harmed or neglected, or who knows someone at risk, to take action and report it.
The committee a partnership of the council, police and NHS Fife hopes the banners will raise awareness of the issue because the public’s understanding of what constitutes adult harm is still low.
Chief Constable Norma Graham said, “The enthusiasm and energy which our service users, their carers and staff have put in to support this project cannot be praised highly enough.
“Act Against Harm is a vital part of the work of Fife’s Adult Protection Committee and sends out a clear message that harm and neglect against adults most at risk in our society is not acceptable and will not be tolerated.
“In Fife, through our established partnership working, we have been making good progress and now this community art campaign marks another key milestone to help communicate a serious message to the community.”
The banners and information boards are now on display in unused shop windows in the Kingdom Shopping Centre.
Committee chairman John Myles said, “The banner campaign … underlines our commitment to see the involvement of service users in our work, to raise awareness of harm and how to keep safe.
“It is an inclusive project, which has allowed service users who have experienced mental or physical ill-health or disability to promote their ideas on how to act against harm and, indeed, to reinforce how any adult in the community wishes to be treated-with respect.
“The banner display uses art and creativity as a great way to catch the public’s attention whilst also raising awareness.”
One of the banners is the work of the Cottage, a resource centre in Cupar for people with experience of mental health problems.
Mary Monteith, from the Cottage, said, “One of the images on our banner states, ‘There’s always light at the end of the tunnel.’
“We’ve also added in images about family and support and this is vital for those who experience mental ill-health.”