Solid Ground Safeguarding Policy

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1. Purpose
Solid Ground is committed to providing a safe, supportive and trauma-aware
environment for all participants, facilitators and volunteers. Although we
operate as an anonymous peer-support group rather than a clinical or statutory
service, we recognise our responsibility to safeguard individuals who may be at
risk of harm.

2. Scope
This policy applies to all facilitators, volunteers and anyone representing Solid
Ground. It covers safeguarding concerns relating to adults (18+), including
those affected by trauma, mental health challenges, substance use, domestic
abuse, exploitation, disability, or any situation where an adult may be at risk.
Solid Ground does not work with children or young people.

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3. Principles
 Safety First: Participants’ safety and wellbeing are our priority.
 Anonymity: Participants are not required to share personal details to
attend. Safeguarding concerns will be addressed without breaching
anonymity unless someone is at immediate risk.
 Trauma-Aware Practice: Interactions are calm, respectful, and non-
judgemental.
 Empowerment: Adults are supported to make informed decisions
wherever possible.
 Proportionate Response: We take appropriate action without exceeding
the boundaries of our role.

4. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns
Facilitators and volunteers should remain aware of signs that an adult may be at
risk, including:
 disclosures of harm, abuse, or exploitation
 signs of emotional distress, fear, or coercion
 indications of domestic abuse
 discussion of suicidal thoughts or self-harm
 visible injuries that cause concern
 concerns related to substance misuse
Safeguarding concerns may arise through words, behaviour, body language or
written reflections.

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5. Responding to a Safeguarding Concern

If a facilitator or volunteer is concerned that an adult may be at risk:

1. Stay calm and listen without judgement.
2. Acknowledge their feelings and thank them for sharing.
3. Do not promise confidentiality if someone discloses serious risk.
4. Assess immediate danger: if you believe someone is at immediate risk of
harm, call emergency services (999).
5. Encourage the person to seek support from their GP, Community Link
Worker, mental health services or other relevant agencies.
6. If appropriate, with the person's agreement, signpost to specialist
services.
7. Record the concern anonymously (no names), including what was
said/observed and any actions taken.
8. Inform the safeguarding lead within Solid Ground.
6. Safeguarding Leads

Primary Safeguarding Lead: Colette
Deputy Safeguarding Lead: Linda
Their role is to:

 support facilitators in managing concerns
 make decisions on next steps
 ensure safeguarding actions align with this policy
 liaise with relevant services when necessary (without sharing identifying
details, unless required in an emergency)

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7. When Anonymity May Be Overridden
Although Solid Ground is an anonymous group, anonymity cannot be
maintained if:
 an adult is at immediate risk of serious harm
 someone threatens serious harm to another person
 disclosure indicates a life-threatening situation
 emergency services must be called
In such cases, appropriate information will be shared only with emergency
responders.

8. Record Keeping
Records are kept anonymously and include:
 date and description of concern
 what was said/observed (in the person’s own words where possible)
 actions taken
 advice sought

No personal identifying information is collected.

9. Training

All facilitators and volunteers will:

 complete Trauma-Aware Training (LDN or equivalent)
 undertake additional safeguarding training where available
 participate in internal briefings on managing disclosures safely

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10. Review of Policy
This policy will be reviewed annually or earlier if safeguarding legislation, best
practice, or the structure of Solid Ground changes.
Last Updated: January 2026