Wellbeing,
Safeguarding & Care of the Individual
Safeguarding is at the heart of everything we do in Girlguiding Cornwall. It is the responsibility of every member to ensure that we promote the safety and wellbeing of the young women and adults in our care.
As in all organisations, it would be unsafe for us to work alone. With support from the team at Girlguiding Headquarters in London, partner agencies and our local training team, we ensure that every adult involved in Guiding undertakes the relevant level of safeguarding training for their role. Whilst we cannot remove risk entirely, this training helps us to manage meetings, activities and adventures, so that Guiding remains a safe place for all.
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You can find the safeguarding policy for Girlguiding here:
https://www.girlguiding.org.uk/making-guiding-happen>policies>safeguarding-policy
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And a copy of Girlguiding's digital safeguarding policy here:
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A copy of Girlguiding’s safeguarding structure can be found here:
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When you are worried…
It’s always best to ask for advice if you are worried about yourself or someone else. Even just a little bit. Always share your concerns and ask for help if you need it.
‘Individually we are one drop. Together we are an ocean.’
You can ask for more information from your unit leader, or contact Hannah Tame, our safeguarding advisor by email: safeguarding@girlguidingcornwall.org.uk. This is not an emergency email address and replies will be timely, but not immediate.
Need some support?
Sometimes, life is tricky. We all face difficulties in life and need some advice and guidance to get us through. That’s why the Girlguiding family is a great place to ask for help!
But we aren’t experts in everything, so you might find these links and telephone numbers helpful if you have a specific problem that you would like to know more about:
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If you think that someone’s life is at risk, from themselves or someone else, you must call 999 and ask for the ambulance/police/fire/coastguard service immediately. Do not wait to get alternative help.
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Childline – www.childline.org.uk 0800 11 11 Professional counsellors who will talk with you through a crisis.
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NSPCC – www.nspcc.org.uk 0808 800 5000 If you are worried about a child, even if you are unsure, you can contact the NSPCC for advice and support about next steps.
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Papyrus – www.papyrus-uk.org.uk 0800 068 4141 Confidential Suicide prevention advice and safety planning.
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Young Minds - www.youngminds.org.uk Crisis Messenger service text YM to 85258 Mental health advice for young people and parents.
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Kooth.com - www.kooth.com Online counselling service for young people aged 25 and under.
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Samaritans – www.samaritans.org.uk 116 123 Whatever you are going through, the Samaritan’s will face it with you.
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Action for Children - www.advice.actionforchildren.org.uk 1:1 support for parents from Family Support Workers about anything to do with parenting
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Penny Appeal – www.pennyappeal.org.uk 0808 802 3333 helpline@pennyappeal.org Contact for support from a domestic abuse counsellor
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YZUP (Addaction) – www.wearewithyou.org.uk 01872 300816 Service for people aged under 18 who are worried about drug or alcohol use.
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Intercom Trust (YAY!) – info@lgbtqyouthcornwall.co.uk Information about LGBTQ Youth issues in Cornwall for people aged 13 to 25 years.
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National Online Safety centre - https://nationalonlinesafety.com/ - a hub of information about anything to do with online safety for adults and children alike
Additionally, Girlguiding Cornwall work with our partner agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of all members. We share information, as required by law, when necessary.
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