Safeguarding
Safeguarding
We’re Here To Support You
Whether you’re a young person, parent or volunteer, we want you to feel safe and supported. This page explains how we approach safety and safeguarding, and where to find mental health support.
If something doesn’t feel right, please speak to a Leader. We’re here to help.
Safety
Scouting should be adventurous, but it must always be safe. We carefully plan activities and complete thorough risk assessments so that young people can try new things in a supportive environment. If you ever spot something that doesn’t feel right, an unsafe setup, a concern about an activity, or something that could harm someone, please tell a Leader straight away. We take safety seriously and would always rather hear about a small concern early than deal with a bigger issue later.
Safety guidance and resources (Scouts.org.uk)
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our priority is that every young person feels safe, respected and supported in all areas of Scouting, and that concerns are listened to and acted on. If a young person (or adult) shares something worrying, or you’re concerned about someone’s welfare inside or outside of Scouts, please speak to a Leader as soon as possible. We follow The Scouts’ safeguarding procedures and will involve the right people to help. If someone may be at immediate risk, we will always treat that as urgent.
Safeguarding policy and procedures (Scouts.org.uk)
How to report a safeguarding concern (UK HQ Safeguarding) (Scouts.org.uk)
NSPCC Helpline (advice if you’re worried about a child): 0808 800 5000
CEOP (report online grooming/sexual abuse concerns)
Mental Health Support
We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health, and it can change over time. Scouting can be a brilliant place for confidence and friendships, but we also recognise that young people and adults may sometimes be struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood or other pressures. If you’re finding things hard, you are not alone and you don’t have to “wait until it gets worse” before asking for support. You can speak to a Leader you trust, talk to your GP, or use the services below for confidential advice. If you’re worried about someone else, checking in and getting the right help is one of the best things you can do.
All links are clickable and contain more information
NHS: Urgent mental health help (via NHS 111)
Samaritans (24/7): call 116 123
Shout (24/7 text support): text SHOUT to 85258
Childline (for under 19s): call 0800 1111
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Papyrus HOPELINE247 (suicide prevention): 0800 068 4141
Kooth (free online wellbeing support for young people)
Safety
Scouting should be adventurous, but it must always be safe. We carefully plan activities and complete thorough risk assessments so that young people can try new things in a supportive environment. If you ever spot something that doesn’t feel right, an unsafe setup, a concern about an activity, or something that could harm someone, please tell a Leader straight away. We take safety seriously and would always rather hear about a small concern early than deal with a bigger issue later.
Safety guidance and resources (Scouts.org.uk)
Safeguarding
Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. Our priority is that every young person feels safe, respected and supported in all areas of Scouting, and that concerns are listened to and acted on. If a young person (or adult) shares something worrying, or you’re concerned about someone’s welfare inside or outside of Scouts, please speak to a Leader as soon as possible. We follow The Scouts’ safeguarding procedures and will involve the right people to help. If someone may be at immediate risk, we will always treat that as urgent.
Safeguarding policy and procedures (Scouts.org.uk)
How to report a safeguarding concern (UK HQ Safeguarding) (Scouts.org.uk)
NSPCC Helpline (advice if you’re worried about a child): 0808 800 5000
CEOP (report online grooming/sexual abuse concerns)
Mental Health Support
We all have mental health, just like we all have physical health, and it can change over time. Scouting can be a brilliant place for confidence and friendships, but we also recognise that young people and adults may sometimes be struggling with stress, anxiety, low mood or other pressures. If you’re finding things hard, you are not alone and you don’t have to “wait until it gets worse” before asking for support. You can speak to a Leader you trust, talk to your GP, or use the services below for confidential advice. If you’re worried about someone else, checking in and getting the right help is one of the best things you can do.
Mental Health Awareness Campaign >
All links are clickable and contain more information
NHS: Urgent mental health help (via NHS 111)
Samaritans (24/7): call 116 123
Shout (24/7 text support): text SHOUT to 85258
Childline (for under 19s): call 0800 1111
Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393
Papyrus HOPELINE247 (suicide prevention): 0800 068 4141
Kooth (free online wellbeing support for young people)