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Adult Support and Protection (ASP) is about making sure adults who may be at risk of harm get the right help at the right time. Harm can happen anywhere — at home, in the community, online or in services, and sometimes it is not obvious. That is why noticing concerns, asking questions, and sharing worries early is so important.

ASP is the legal framework in Scotland that helps protect adults who may be at risk of harm. An adult may be considered at risk if they:

• are unable to safeguard their own wellbeing, property, rights or interests
• are being harmed, or are at risk of harm
• have a disability, mental disorder, illness, physical or mental infirmity, coercive control or undue pressure are more vulnerable to being harmed than others

ASP is not about taking over someone’s life, it is about supporting people to stay safe, stay in control, and get the help they need.

ASP is everybody’s business

Keeping adults safe is not just the responsibility of specialist teams. Every practitioner, service, neighbour and member of the public plays a part.

You do not need certainty, evidence and the full picture.

If something does not feel right, trust your instinct. We all hold vital pieces of the jigsaw needed to build safer, better and brighter communities.

When we all notice, question and share concerns, adults get help earlier and harm is prevented.

Speak up and speak out

Speaking up matters. Even small concerns can be the first sign that someone needs support.

• If you see something worrying, speak up
• If you are unsure, speak out and ask
• If you are worried about an adult, tell someone

A conversation can be the turning point.

We would rather hear about a concern early, than a missed opportunity later.

You will be listened to. Your concern will be taken seriously.

What harm can look like

Harm can take many forms. It may be:

• Physical harm — injuries, rough handling or unexplained bruises
• Psychological harm — fear, intimidation or coercion, threats
• Financial harm — theft, scams or pressure to give money
• Neglect — lack of care, unmet needs or unsafe living conditions
• Sexual harm — exploitation, inappropriate behaviour or unwanted contact
• Cuckooing and organised crime – often anti social behaviour and drug use is a sign of cuckooing and organised criminals taking advantage of an adults property
• Online harm — sextortion, extortion, ID theft and fraud, bullying and radicalisation
• Domestic abuse — coercive control, exploitation and any of the harms above can happen within domestic settings 

Sometimes harm is hidden, subtle and is a feeling that something is off. That is enough to raise a concern.

What you can do

You do not need to investigate — just share the worry.

• Contact Social Care Direct if you know or believe someone is at risk of harm
• In emergencies, or where known criminal acts are occurring call Police Scotland on 999.

Your action could protect someone who cannot protect themselves.

Contact Social Care Direct on:

• During office hours: 0131 200 2324
• Out of hours: 0800 731 6969
• Email: socialcaredirect@edinburgh.gov.uk 
• Police Scotland (emergency): 999
• Police Scotland (non‑emergency): 101

You do not need permission or proof. You just need to speak up and share the concern.

Help us follow up on your concern by sharing as much information as you can. This might include:

• who the adult at risk is
• what type of harm you are worried about
• whether it is happening now or could happen soon
• how severe the situation feels
• who may be causing the harm

Do not worry if you do not have all the details. We still have a duty to make inquiries and ensure the person is safe.

Our Commitment in Edinburgh

We are committed to:

• responding quickly and proportionately
• working collaboratively across services
• supporting adults to stay safe and in control
• learning from every concern raised
• building a culture where speaking up is normal practice
• ensuring ASP remains everybody’s business

ASP works best when we work together.