Safeguarding ourselves and others in the community- practical resources
It deeply saddens me that some of our communties are being destroyed, people and institutions are being targeted and attacked, children and adults are being murdered, and people are afraid of what is to come next… this is something that sadly always happens in the safeguarding world, but not all events make the news. What is currently in our news however is harrowing and people are rightly feeling sad, angry, distressed, and maybe unsafe. So, with this in mind, I wanted to extend our heart felt sympathy and support from all of the team at RLB to anyone who has been affected across the UK in some of the most recent tragedies.
It is of the upmost priority that we consider how to keep ourselves and others safe at this time and beyond although some measures will seem sad that we even need to consider implementing and of course there are some financial costs or work to be done in an already tough state of affairs. However, we do need to think about safety and this may mean considering how we think about our own personal safety but also how we safeguard our children, family, and friends and of course how we as services or employers safeguard our service users, staff, and customers. As a community it is imperative that rather than be divided we stand together. I am not privy to all factual details of current events so this article will not cover any content relating to victims or circumstances but we will aim to provide information and education that may be of use and we are always eager to learn if you wish to educate us with new support organisations or perpspectives.
At RLB we have always tried to be an organisation that both sensitively and openly discusses issues such as personal safety, community risks, contextual safeguarding, and societal impacts, where there is no definitive law or guidance whilst always striving to understand how safeguarding impacts with intersectionality, however we wanted to put some practical information together to help people consider risk and prevention and of course thinking about how to stay safe or access support. Please note this is not an exhaustive list and if you have something to add contact us at hello@rlbsafeguarding.co.uk.
I always like to think of community safety like a hazard driving licence test… we have all seen the school yard drawings that highlight all of the potential risks that children may come across when playing out in the playground. Some can be seen, and some cannot and of course how on earth do we draw the whole world and every scenario? Of course we can’t. Much like the physical vs emotional divide and of course our online and AI world a lot of risks are hidden or go unoticed until well, they aren’t.
A good place to start is what we see and hear online- Disinformation and misinformation can be some of the most dangerous factors when considering what we see on social media and beyond and can add fuel to any fire. Don’t simply always believe what you see online or on TV….
Disinformation is false information which is intended to mislead, especially propaganda issued by a government organisation to a rival power or the media.
Misinformation is false or inaccurate information that is communicated regardless of an intention to deceive. Examples of misinformation are false rumours, insults, and pranks.
Top Tips for understanding an/or sharing information online:
Think about what you choose to share online. Use the Share Checklist-
Source- make sure the story is written by a source you trust, with a reputation for accuracy. If it is from an unfamiliar organisation, check the websites ‘About section’ for more information. Consider the credibility of the person making the statement.
Headline- always read beyond the headline, if it sounds unbelievable, it very well might be. Be wary if something doesn’t seem to add up. Headlines draw us in- the use of language even still in the UK, who have some of the most robust safeguarding laws is often sensationalised or can be completely wrong.
Analyse- make sure you check the facts. Just because you have seen the story several times, doesn’t mean its true. If you are not sure, look at fact checking websites and other reliable sources to help you. Analysis does not mean you need to fall down a worm hole of research, just do what you are comfortable with. Sometimes exposing ourselves to this type of content can affect our wellbeing and mental health.
Retouched- check where it looks like an image could or has been manipulated. False news stories often contain photos or re-edited clips. Sometimes they are authentic but have been taken out of context. AI technology and deepfakes can look extremely real.
Error- Many false news stories have phony or lookalike URLs. Look out for misspelling, bad grammar and awkward layouts. Sometimes they also disappear a day later.
Top Tips for staying safe in your community:
Remember to always lock your doors and windows when you are home alone or on an evening.
Consider keeping a light on when you are not home.
Make sure your valuables are in a safe place, avoid garages, sheds or the back garden.
Consider investing in a house alarm or electronic doorbell system.
Tell someone where you are going if you out at night- consider using a personal safety app.
Consider using a purse chain or strapped bag– they can help to prevent pickpockets when out.
Stick together – rather than go alone, you may want to invite a family member or friend.
Don’t walk home alone late at night – tell friends or family where you are and consider using a taxi.
Report any stalking or harassment behaviour.
Look after your drinks when out to avoid spiking or unwanted advances from others.
Check out facts, if someone is trying to invite you into something that does not feel right, do not always believe what you hear, check it out for yourself.
Report anti-social behaviour or crimes- anonymously if easier to your local police force.
Top Tips for organisations:
Ensure you have a fit for purpose safeguarding policy with explicit and user friendly incident reporting and recording procedures.
Comunicate the policy and reporting systems out to everyone- it may be beneficial to publish relevant parts to your website.
Consider that it could be happening in your organisation… plan for risk and stress test procedures to ensure you are equipped and knowledgeable.
Think CONTEXT… who are we, who do we serve, where do we serve, what could happen in these places or spaces and to whom? This is an approach recognised as Contextual Safeguarding.
Appoint a Designated Safeguarding Lead and Deputy to ensure that all safeguarding and/or safety measures are adhered to and there is a point of contact for any queries or concerns.
Think physical- yes we all know our legal obligations to Health and Safety, but let’s consider external and internal risks that could occur within our organisation. It may include event safety planning, lock down or invacuation emergency procedures, understanding your local areas and what risks are present. How could you protect your people and those accessing your services if something were to happen?
Educate colleagues, volunteers, and those who access your service. Information and education are never a pointless exercise.
Ensure there are supportive measures or services in place for people to access- they may be an employee assistance programme, mental health signposting volunteers, or support from local services or charities. Make sure people know how to access them if they are having any issues or are being harmed.
Recruit safely- ensure that you are completing the right checks when recruiting someone to work in your organisation.
Evaluate and plan for improvement- Make sure you are aware of any gaps and constantly strive for more than effective measures- you will not regret it!
Here are a few initiatives and resources that can help you to understand your local area and raise concerns if you have them: (Please note this is not an exhaustive list).
Community Safety Partnerships bring together local partners to formulate and implement strategies to tackle crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in their communities. There are over 300 Community Safety Partnerships in England and Wales, operating as either district, unitary, or borough partnerships.
The Office for National Statistics Crime against households and people aged 16 years and over, using data from police recorded crime and the Crime Survey for England and Wales (CSEW).
Neightbourhood Watch is the largest volunteer-led crime prevention charity in England and Wales. With over 60,000 active volunteers and over 2 million supporter households, we work across local communities and regions to empower and educate people, as well as to bring communities together.
Crime Prevention Bulletins are available for whatever area you live in. The example here is Hampshire’s. Hampshire Alert is a free messaging service that allows Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Neighbourhood Watch and other partner organisations keep you informed about issues in your area that are relevant to you. Once you've signed up you'll receive information about crime and suspicious activity where you live or work - helping to prevent and detect crime and anti-social behaviour.
My Community Alerts- Type this into a search engine to find your local alerts to sign up to.
Stop Hate is a leading national organisation working to challenge all forms of Hate Crime and discrimination, based on any aspect of an individual’s identity.
Report Hate Crime- The UK Government Guidance.
Women and Girls Network- We are a free service run by women, for women in London who have been affected by all forms of violence and abuse.
Police Care UK is a charity for serving and veteran police officers and staff, volunteers, and their families who have suffered any physical or psychological harm as a result of policing. They are independent of the police service.
Hollieguard App is a next generation smartphone app that provides enhanced levels of protection. Help protect yourself, a friend or a family member with Hollie Guard. Every 5 seconds the platform will update your precise location based on your speed and movement activity to identify where you are once an alert has been raised. HollieGuard is a personal alarm, deterrent, evidence catcher and more. Providing a lot more functionality than a regular keyring alarm for absolutely anyone who has safety in mind. Please read up on the tragic backstory of Hollie Gazzard here
After-school clubs, community activities and tuition: safeguarding guidance for providers- Safeguarding guidance for providers of activities, after-school clubs, tuition and other out-of-school settings.
ACT- Action Counters Terrorism- It can be hard to know what to do if you’re worried someone close is expressing extreme views or hatred, which could lead to them harming themselves or others. Working with other organisations, the police protect vulnerable people from being exploited by extremists through a Home Office programme called Prevent.
Act early and tell us your concerns in confidence. You won’t be wasting our time and you won’t ruin lives, but you might save them.
Safeguarding in Faith Communities- A series of information videos- NSPCC
Help for refugees and asylum seekers If you are a refugee or asylum seeker in the UK, the British Red Cross may be able to offer you practical and emotional support.
Our Minds Work- Mental Health Strategy training and consultancy to support organisations.
Winston’s Wish provides support for emergency service families who have been bereaved.
Please contact us for a free consultation or to join our free monthly Safeguarding Spotlight Series Network here