Module 3: Safeguarding

The people accessing the Social Connection Project may be vulnerable in a variety of ways and for a variety of reasons. This places them at greater risk under normal circumstances and the current circumstances only exacerbate this.

As a volunteer you are a trusted individual and play an important role in spotting things. An individual may tell you something for the very reason that you’re a volunteer. We ask you to ‘keep your ears open’, be curious and let someone know if you are concerned about something.

Don’t assume that someone else is picking this up.

Concerns may fall into, but are not limited to, these main areas:

Signs or disclosure of physical, financial, emotional or sexual abuse including domestic violence should all be reported to your coordinator. Remember:

Do

• Stay calm and do not show disbelief or shock
• Listen carefully
• Reassure them that they were right to tell you and you are treating the information seriously
• Let them know what you are going to do next (which includes telling the appropriate staff member) and that the service will take steps to protect and support them
• Report to the coordinator/Service manager or safeguarding officer at Justlife
• Write down what they have said afterwards
  

Don't

• Stop someone who is freely recalling significant events; allow them to share whatever is important to them
• Be judgemental
• Promise to keep secrets
• Investigate’ by asking leading or closed questions
• Contact the alleged abuser
• Discuss with anyone, other than the person to whom you are reporting the matter

Scams have increased during Coronavirus. Vulnerable groups are more often targeted and susceptible.

If you hear anything that makes you think others are at risk tell someone

E.g. someone tells you they’ve been without hot water or food.

It’s probably a concern.

• Immediate risk to life – access emergency services ☎ 999
• Non-urgent police matters - ☎ 101
• Suggest beneficiary contact their key worker if they have one
• All circumstances - tell your coordinator – ☎ 07734 694 316
• Write down what happened including details such as date, time, what was said, action taken, people contacted

A member of the Justlife team will follow-up with you and the beneficiary after the incident and a plan of action on next steps discussed and agreed.