Safeguarding Statement

Principles

Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility

Dignity

should be promoted throughout our projects

Always speak up

if you have concerns

Developing knowledge

is necessary for good practice

We take a rights-based approach throughout our work. This includes promoting a person’s right to

participation and non-discrimination

Every child and adult is an individual

with their own risk and
protective factors, needs and levels of resilience that that make up their
context

Relationships are important

to create safe environments that are suitable for disclosures and effective support

Professional judgement and curiosity

should be exercised when making decisions

Sharing Information

Organisations and services should share information and collaborate in order to effectively safeguard children and adults from harm.

We will not share personal information internally or externally without
significant reason.

This includes to protect children or at-risk adults or to seek advice

Any information shared should not be more than what is necessary.

Definitions

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children* means:

Providing help and support as soon as problems emerge

Protecting from maltreatment

Preventing impairment of mental and physical health or development

Ensuring they grow up under safe and effective care

Safeguarding adults** means:

Protecting their right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect

Working to prevent and stop both the risks and experiences of abuse or neglect

Promoting their wellbeing

Having regard to their views, wishes, feeling and beliefs

*Working together to safeguard children 2023 **Care and support statutory guidance 2024.
Definitions are simplified. Full definitions in safeguarding policy/statutory guidance.

Do not

Remain calm and give your full attention
Listen actively before asking questions
Believe them
Reassure them that talking to you was the right thing
Ask enough questions to clarify whether there is risk of harm
Make notes afterwards and record verbatim as much as possible
Aim for consent; inform them of next steps, including who you will tell
Maintain contact if appropriate; they may find it easier to talk to you

Show shock; this may discourage them from sharing
Promise secrecy, be open about what you will do with the information
Ask unnecessary or leading questions
Interrogate or investigate what is being said
Share information internally or externally without reason

Poor mental health

Adults/children may tell you they are struggling with mental health using various phrases such as feeling low, sad or down; they may tell you they are crying a lot or express worry or fear about their circumstances. Offer compassionate and friendly support and notice if they would benefit from additional, external support. Additional support which may be suggested or arranged could include:

A self-referral to Luton Total Wellbeing

An appointment with their GP

A helpline, such as Samaritans

Contacting Luton adult safeguarding or MASH for guidance

Emergency services if worried they may hurt themselves or are in a crisis (eg. manic or depressive episode)

If unsure, talk to your line manager

Aim for consent before contacting services. Complete a Safeguarding Form.

Suicide

Adults/children may indicate or allude to suicidal ideas. Clarify and take action. Ask: “are you thinking about suicide?”. Be discreet but direct. Avoid saying “don’t do something stupid” or talking about ideas of sin; this can make them feel worse. If they are thinking about suicide, focus on ‘pausing’; not ‘fixing’ whatever feelings circumstances led to this point. Listen well and let them share. This can help by reminding them they’re not alone and developing a different perspective through talking.

Ask if they have a plan. If they don’t, still take action:

Contact a friend / family member / 999 / Luton adult safeguarding / MASH

Agree for them to call their GP

Signpost to or make referrals for mental health or wellbeing services

If they do have a plan, take action immediate action:

Contact a friend / relative / guardian to be with them

Call the emergency services, Luton adult safeguarding or MASH, depending on the state the individual is in, time of day, and guidance recieved.

Aim for consent before contacting services. Complete a SG Form.