Protection is everyone's job

'LOOKING After Each Other' was the theme of this year's Dumfries and Galloway Public Protection week. And the main message was that safety grows from people who notice, listen and act whether they are professionals, neighbours or family members. The aim of the annual week is to build understanding, strengthen practice and promote safer communities. It was a chance to learn about the spectrum of public protection work taking place in Dumfries and Galloway; e.g. supporting people who go missing, safeguarding in communities, preventing financial harm, strengthening decision-making in adult support and protection, recognising evolving drug trends, reducing suicide risk and responding to domestic abuse. Speaking about their work, chair of the Public Protection Committee, Hamish McGhie, said: “Public Protection Week is a reminder that keeping people safe is never the job of one service alone, it’s something we do best when we work together and look after each other. "Whether you’re a professional, a volunteer, or a member of the public, you have a role in helping us build a safer Dumfries and Galloway. “By learning more, speaking up when something feels wrong and supporting those around us, we can make a real difference. I hope this week sparked new conversations and strengthened the collective effort that protects the most vulnerable in our communities.”