Safeguarding

The guiding principals

• Empowerment
• Prevention
• Proportionality
• Protection
• Partnership
• Accountability

Everyone has a right to live their lives free from fear, abuse and neglect. But some may find it hard to get the help and support they need to stop abuse. Some be unable to protect themselves from harm or exploitation due to many reasons, including their mental or physical incapacity, sensory loss or physical or learning disabilities. This could be an adult who is usually able to protect themselves from harm but maybe unable to do so because of an accident, disability, frailty, addiction or illness. Children can be especially at risk of abuse, neglect and exploitation

The comfortable, safe space the group provides means that there may be times when people disclose difficult information to anyone within the group. Remain calm and try not to shock or disbelief. Never promise to keep a secret if you feel that anyone’s safety is in jeopardy but instead encourage the person to share with friends or family if appropriate. It may require speaking to other organizations for advice so explain that this is not knowledge you have and work with the individual to reach out for the correct support.