Safeguarding

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The Care Act 2014 : Safeguarding Adults

"Protecting an adult’s right to live in safety, free from abuse and neglect. It is about people and organisations working together to prevent and stop both the risks and experience of abuse or neglect, while at the same time making sure that the adult’s wellbeing is promoted including, where appropriate, having regard to their views, wishes, feelings and beliefs in deciding on any action. This must recognise that adults sometimes have complex interpersonal relationships and may be ambivalent, unclear or unrealistic about their personal circumstances."

Safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children is everyone's responsibility

"Working Together To Safeguarding Children" HM Government December 2023

"Nothing is more important than children’s welfare. Every child deserves to grow up in a safe, stable, and loving home. Children who need help and protection deserve high quality and effective support. This requires individuals, agencies, and organisations to be clear about their own and each other’s roles and responsibilities, and how they work together"

The Six Principles of Safeguarding are fundamental in the work of The Healing Hubs Charity to ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals participating in our services. We incorporate the Six Principles of Safeguarding into every aspect of our charity services. This includes; Community Meeting Places, Befriending Telephone Calls, Companion Home Visiting Services, Warm Hubs, Laughter Clubs, and Laughter Yoga Workshops, through the following ways:

1. Empowerment: We empower individuals to make their own choices and decisions regarding their participation in our services. We ensure that they have the necessary information and support to make informed decisions.

2. Prevention: We have robust policies and procedures in place to prevent abuse, neglect, and harm within our services. We provide training to staff and volunteers on recognising signs of abuse and how to report concerns.

3. Proportionality: We take a proportionate approach to safeguarding, ensuring that interventions are proportionate to the level of risk identified. We conduct risk assessments and tailor support plans for individuals based on their specific needs.

4. Protection: We prioritise the protection of individuals from harm and abuse. We have clear reporting procedures in place for staff and volunteers to report any safeguarding concerns promptly.

5. Partnership: We work in partnership with relevant agencies and organisations to promote the safety and well-being of individuals accessing our services. We collaborate with local authorities, health professionals, and other stakeholders to ensure a coordinated safeguarding response.

6. Accountability: We hold ourselves accountable for safeguarding the individuals participating in our services. We conduct regular safeguarding audits, reviews, and training to ensure compliance with safeguarding policies and procedures.

By incorporating these Six Principles of Safeguarding into every aspect of our charity services, we strive to create a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment for all individuals involved in The Healing Hubs Charity.

The Healing Hubs Charity recognises the 3 C's of Child Safeguarding as key areas of focus when it comes to protecting children from harm and ensuring their well-being. This includes:

1. Content: Refers to the materials, information, and media that children are exposed to, whether online or offline. The Healing Hubs will ensure that any content children access through our services is age-appropriate, non-harmful, and in line with safeguarding principles. This will include monitoring and regulating content in educational materials, websites, social media, and other platforms to prevent exposure to inappropriate or harmful content.

2. Contact: Focuses on the interactions and relationships that children have with others, both within and outside of The Healing Hubs setting. We will ensure that children are protected from any form of abuse, exploitation, or harm in their interactions with staff, volunteers, peers, and other individuals. The Healing Hubs has established clear guidelines, codes of conduct, and reporting mechanisms to safeguard children from harmful contact.

3. Conduct: Refers to the behaviour and actions of individuals and organisations in their interactions with children. The Healing Hubs team will maintain high standards of conduct and ethics to prevent any form of abuse, discrimination, or misconduct that could harm children. This includes training staff and volunteers on appropriate behaviour, setting boundaries, and holding individuals accountable for their conduct towards children.

Last Updated September 2024