SAFEGUARDING POLICY
Take Cover
Date adopted: September 2022
Review date: 1st September annually.
1. Purpose of this Policy
This Safeguarding Policy sets out how Take Cover protects the wellbeing, safety, and rights of its members – all of whom are adult survivors of child sexual abuse. Although we are a non-professional, peer-led support group, we take safeguarding seriously and commit to creating a safe and respectful environment for all.
2. Our Commitment
We are committed to:
• Creating a safe, inclusive space where survivors can connect and support each other.
• Ensuring all members are treated with respect, dignity, and compassion.
• Recognising and responding appropriately to signs of harm, abuse, or mental health crisis.
• Establishing clear boundaries for what the group can and cannot offer.
3. Who we support.
We support adults (aged 18 and over) who identify as survivors of child sexual abuse.
We recognise that survivors may still be at risk of:
• Mental health crisis (e.g. suicidal thoughts, self-harm)
• Domestic or sexual violence
• Exploitation or coercion
• Substance misuse
Although we do not provide professional services, we will signpost members to appropriate help.
4. Group Boundaries
We are a peer-to-peer support group, not a therapy service, crisis centre, or statutory service.
Our role is to:
• Offer a safe, confidential space for survivors to share, listen, and support one another.
• Encourage empowerment, self-care, and trauma informed practices.
Our role is not to:
• Offer clinical advice, therapy, or mental health intervention.
• Manage risk on behalf of external agencies.
• Replace professional or emergency services.
5. Confidentiality
We respect each member’s right to confidentiality, and all members are asked to agree to this.
However, confidentiality may be broken if:
• A member is at serious risk of harming themselves or others.
• A disclosure indicates a current risk to a child or vulnerable adult
• We are legally required to do so
In these cases, we may contact relevant support services (e.g., emergency services or safeguarding professionals), ideally with the individual’s consent, but without it if necessary to prevent harm.
6. Recognising and Responding to Concerns
If a facilitator or member is concerned about someone’s wellbeing or safety, they should.
1. Speak to the individual privately (if appropriate) and express concern without judgment.
2. Encourage them to seek help from professional services.
3. If urgent, call 999 or direct the person to appropriate crisis support (e.g., Samaritans: 116 123, local NHS crisis teams).
4. Record the concern (date/time/summary) and inform a designated safeguarding contact within the group.
7. Designated Safeguarding Contact (DSC)
We have a designated safeguarding contact (DSC) within the group to support with concerns and provide guidance.
• Name: Pauline Sharp
• Contact: take.cover.south@gmail.com
• The DSC is responsible for keeping this policy under review and liaising with safeguarding bodies if necessary.
8. Safer Facilitation
All group facilitators agree to:
• Follow this safeguarding policy.
• Act in the best interests of group members.
• Maintain clear personal and emotional boundaries.
• Not engage in relationships that could exploit trust or cause harm.
While we are not required to have DBS checks as a peer group, we are open to completing them.
9. Signposting to Support Services
We provide members with information for trusted support services, including:
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• NAPAC (National Association for People abused in Childhood): 0808 801 0331
• Rape Crisis: www.rapecrisis.org.uk
• Mind: www.mind.org.uk
• Survivors UK (for male survivors): www.survivors.org
• Local mental health crisis teams
10. Policy Review
This policy will be reviewed annually, or earlier if:
• There are significant changes to the group structure or membership.
• There are new safeguarding regulations or best practice updates.
• Any safeguarding incident occurs within the group.
Signed: Lead facilitator – Pauline Sharp
Date: September 2025
