THE number of people referred to NHS adult support and protection services has risen by more than 200 a week in the last year, according to Ayrshire health chiefs.

Now NHS chiefs in Ayrshire and Arran want people living in the area to look out for signs of neglect towards others.

Around 940 people per week were referred between December 2021 and December 2022 across Scotland, according to the new figures - compared to around 700 per week for the previous 12 months.

The average increased to around 980 per week for the six months between June and December 2022.

The NHS, which released the figures to mark Adult Support and Protection Day on Monday, February 20, says it hopes people will take the time to look out for signs that others are in need of help.

The NHS service helps adults struggling with self-neglect, self-harm, physical, psychological, financial, or sexual harm.

Claire Burden, the local health board's chief executive, said: "NHS Ayrshire & Arran is committed to providing support for [vulnerable] individuals, and will continue to work with our staff, local community and health and care partners to raise awareness of the support options available.

“We can all have a part to play by sharing and talking about any concerns we have.

“If you are worried that you or someone you know is an adult at risk of harm, contact your local social work team for support.”

The health board says referrals to support and protection services have been rising since March 2021 with the 2022 increase largely attributed to the cost-of-living crisis.

Brenda Walker, Scotland's national adult support and protection coordinator, said: “It’s sometimes hard to see when someone is struggling to manage, or you might feel you don’t want to interfere.

“Sharing your concern is the right thing to do and can allow support to be offered.

“Right now, many people are finding it even more difficult, and the cost-of-living crisis is making already challenging situations worse.

“Harm can happen anywhere: in someone’s home, where they work, in a public place – often caused by the people closest to them.”

NHS statistics showed that most of the time adults came into harm in their own homes.

Social care minister Kevin Stewart added: “Everyone has a role to play in keeping people safe from harm, and Adult Support and Protection Day helps highlight the role people in the community have in raising concerns.

“I would like to thank the ASP National Communications Group for all the effort that has gone into raising the focus on this and helping ensure people are getting the help that they need.”