Safeguarding
Safeguarding Policy
Shared Spectrum is committed to the safety and wellbeing of everyone who participates in our groups. This policy sets out how we approach safeguarding and what we do if a concern is raised.
If you are in crisis right now
Shared Spectrum groups are a peer support space, not a crisis service. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, please call 999.
For emotional support in a crisis, contact Samaritans on 116 123 (free, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or text SHOUT to 85258.
If you are concerned about a child's safety, contact NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 or the local authority children's services in your area.
Our commitment
Shared Spectrum groups are a safe and non-judgemental space. We take the wellbeing of all members seriously. We are committed to:
- Creating a space where members feel safe to talk honestly
- Responding appropriately to disclosures of harm, abuse, or serious risk
- Maintaining confidentiality except where there is a serious risk to a person's safety
- Not placing group members in a position where safeguarding concerns cannot be acted on
Confidentiality and its limits
What is shared in our groups stays within the group. We respect confidentiality and do not discuss members' personal information outside of the session.
However, confidentiality has limits. If information is shared that suggests a serious and immediate risk to the safety of a member or another person - including a child - we may need to act on that, even without the person's consent. We would always try to speak with the person first wherever possible.
What our groups are not
Shared Spectrum groups are peer support, not therapy, counselling, or clinical care. Our facilitators are not licensed mental health professionals. We do not provide assessments, diagnoses, or clinical advice.
If you are struggling with your mental health and need professional support, we encourage you to speak with your GP as a first step.
Children and young people
Our women's group is for people aged 18 and over. Our parents and carers group is for adults only.
If a safeguarding concern relating to a child is disclosed in a group session or through contact with Shared Spectrum, we will follow the appropriate referral pathway and, where necessary, contact local authority children's services or the NSPCC.
Raising a concern
If you have a safeguarding concern - about yourself, another member, or a child - please speak to the group facilitator directly, or contact us through the contact page. All concerns will be taken seriously and handled with care.
Questions about this policy
If you have questions about our safeguarding approach, please get in touch. We will respond within a few working days.