Self-neglect is a complex and often misunderstood issue that affects individuals across all walks of life. It involves a person’s inability - whether intentional or unintentional - to care for themselves in a way that maintains their health, safety, and wellbeing. This can include neglecting personal hygiene, nutrition, medical needs, or living in unsafe or unsanitary conditions. In some cases, it may also involve hoarding behaviours.
Why It Matters
In Blackpool, self-neglect is a significant concern, with contributing factors such as poor health outcomes, high levels of deprivation, and increased rates of mental health issues, substance misuse, and social isolation. Without early intervention, self-neglect can escalate, leading to serious harm or even death. It can also impact families, neighbours, and the wider community. A number of Safeguarding Adult Reviews, both locally and nationally, have involved learning around Self-Neglect, highlighting the importance of working together to tackle the challenges.
Our Approach
Blackpool Safeguarding Adults Board partners have developed multi-agency guidance to support professionals in identifying, understanding, and responding to self-neglect. The guidance promotes:
- Person-centred practice: Placing the individual at the heart of decision-making.
- Professional curiosity: Encouraging respectful, inquisitive engagement to understand the person’s lived experience.
- Multi-agency collaboration: Ensuring coordinated support across health, social care, housing, and voluntary sectors.
- Legal literacy: Supporting practitioners to navigate the complexities of the Mental Capacity Act and safeguarding legislation.
What you’ll find in the guidance
The multi-agency guidance for responding to self-neglect includes:
- Definitions and signs of self-neglect
- Guidance on assessing risk and mental capacity
- Tools such as the Wellbeing and Safety Plan
- Pathways for referral and multi-agency meetings
- Local context and statistics for Blackpool
- Practical tips for engaging with individuals who may be self-neglecting
Who is it for?
This guidance is designed for professionals across all sectors - social workers, healthcare providers, housing officers, emergency services, and voluntary organisations - who may encounter individuals at risk of self-neglect. It aims to build confidence, improve outcomes, and ensure that responses are compassionate, lawful, and effective.
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