Self support

From personal safety, to staying safe online, protecting your home from intruders, or protecting yourself from fraud, there are a number of things you can do to keep safe.

Keeping yourself safe

There are a number if things you can do to protect yourself while out and about:

  • Let friends and family know when and where you are going and what time you are likely to be back
  • Stick to well-lit areas
  • If you are walking alone avoid dark and unlit areas, consider carrying a personal alarm
  • Don't accept lifts from strangers only just authorised public transport
  • Keep your valuables in different pockets or areas of your bag
  • Be aware of your surroundings

Protecting yourself from fraud

There are a number of things you can do to protect yourself from fraud:

  • Keep your personal information safe
  • Never give anyone your PIN or National Insurance number
  • Shred all correspondence that contain your personal details
  • Change your passwords regularly and make them as complex as you can remember
  • Install anti-virus protection your devices
  • Be vary of 'cold callers' who attends your doorstep or over the phone where you haven't asked for contact
  • Report fraud to Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040

Keeping your home safe

There are some practical steps you can take to protect your home:

  • Always lock your door, even when you are at home
  • Keep windows closed and locked
  • Keep valuables out of sight
  • Don't let burglars know you are away, avoid putting your trip on social media.
  • Don't leave a spare key in an obvious place, like under a plant pot. Instead, leave with a trusted friend/neighbour
  • Consider timers for lights or ask a trusted neighbour to open and close curtains Consider extra security such as CCTVs or alarms

Keeping safe online

Online crime is a growing crime but there are a number of things you can do to protect yourself:

  • Ensure that your computer and mobile devices have a standard firewall and updated antivirus protection
  • Change your passwords regularly and have different passwords for each site you visit
  • Only use secure websites - look for the padlock symbol in the search bar
  • If an email looks suspicious or you don't know who its from delete it without opening it
  • Talk to children about internet safety
  • If children are using the internet install a child safety option to stop them accessing inappropriate content