POLICE, social workers and health experts from Swindon and across Wiltshire were meeting today for a conference on protecting vulnerable adults.

National research into abuse, and recent cases highlighted by the media are on the agenda for the event.

The conference is taking place at the Corn Exchange in Devizes. Judy Seager, Wiltshire County Council cabinet member for adult care services, said: "If we are to protect vulnerable people it is essential that we learn from research and the experiences of others.

"This conference will bring together a very wide range of professionals to improve the way we all work together. We will also have some service users who will talk about their experiences. This is essential. Only by listening can we tackle this problem."

Organised jointly by several organisations including Swindon Council, primary care trusts, Wiltshire Police and Avon and Wiltshire Mental Health Partnership Trust, the conference will hear a keynote speech from Prof Hilary Brown, of Canterbury University, on how mental capacity affects abuse. More than 230 experts are expected to attend.