If you have concerns about someone’s safety or wellbeing
Safeguarding is about helping people stay safe and well, and concerns can exist at many different levels. Sometimes worries are small or emerging, and sometimes they are more serious. You do not need to be certain or wait for things to get worse before seeking advice.
Raising a concern does not always mean a referral to social care. Many worries can be explored and supported through early help services, which focus on offering advice, practical support, and working alongside families and individuals before problems escalate. Early help is about listening, understanding what is happening, and putting the right support in place at the right time.
If concerns increase, or if there is a risk of harm, services may need to involve Children’s Social Care or Adult Social Care so that appropriate safeguarding action can be taken. This helps ensure people who are vulnerable receive the protection and support they need.
Across all areas served by Mersey Care, safeguarding is delivered through local multi agency partnerships. These partnerships bring together health, local authorities, police, education, and voluntary services to respond to concerns in a coordinated way. Their websites provide clear guidance on:
- Early help and preventative support
- How to discuss or report concerns
- When and how to contact social care
- What happens after a concern is raised.
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, always call 999.
If you are unsure on what to do, it's always better to seek advice and talk to someone — concerns can be explored, and the right pathway can be identified with you on the contacts below.
Children’s Social Care
Telephone: 0151 907 8305
Adult Social Care
Telephone: 0151 907 8306
Out of hours: 0345 050 0148
Children’s Social Care
Telephone: 0151 443 2600
Out of hours: 0345 050 0148
Adult Social Care
Telephone: 0151 443 2600
Out of hours: 0151 443 2600
Children’s Social Care
Out of hours telephone : 0300 123 6722
Adult Social Care
Telephone (including out of hours): 0151 459 2606
Children’s Social Care
Out of hours: 01925 444 400
Adult Social Care
Telephone: 0345 140 0845
Out of hours: 0151 934 3555
Children’s Social Care
Telephone: 01744 676 600
Adult Social Care
Telephone: 01744 676 600
Out of hours: 0345 050 0148
Children’s Social Care
Telephone: 01925 443 400
Out of hours: 0345 050 0148
Adult Social Care
Telephone: 01925 443 322
Out of hours: 01925 444 400
Each safeguarding partnership website provides step-by-step guidance on how to report concerns. You can raise concerns about children or adults, including concerns about neglect, abuse, exploitation, or welfare. If you are unsure which service to contact, any of the numbers above can guide you.