A hotline urging people to report suspected abuse of vulnerable adults is already proving its worth.

The 'No Secrets' campaign launched in Chelmsford almost three weeks ago by police, health authorities, and social services is initially being regarded as successful.

And an Essex County Council Social Services spokeswoman stressed this week that they wanted the campaign to remain that way.

There have been a variety of calls with both men and women being reported as alleged victims.

An Essex Social Services media spokeswoman said: "We are very encouraged that awareness has been raised by the campaign. We have received a number of calls reporting alleged financial, physical and other abuses."

The next meeting of the Essex vulnerable adults committee will receive a detailed report on how the campaign has been faring.

The next stage in the campaign will be the provision of 20,000 'No Secrets' bookmarks to county libraries.

A 59 page book entitled Guidelines For The Protection of Vulnerable Adults From Abuse has also been produced.

If anyone wishes to report abuse they should telephone social services on Chelmsford 492131.

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