Our approach to safeguarding starts with creating a safe and welcoming environment, where everyone is respected and valued. It’s about making sure Brixton Advice Centre (BAC) is run in a way that actively prevents harm, abuse and neglect. It’s also about being ready to respond safely and well if there is a problem

BAC and its trustees, employees and volunteers have a duty to take all reasonable steps to ensure that the position of children and adults at risk is safeguarded. In all Brixton Advice Centre business we will treat these groups with courtesy, respect and impartiality, recognising that both children and adults at risk are entitled to their own privacy and dignity within the scope of our Equality and Diversity Policy

What it means for clients or service users

Should any Brixton Advice Centre employee or volunteer have cause to believe that a client or service user is suffering abuse or neglect at home, work or elsewhere, or is causing such to others, they must report their suspicions to the Designated Safeguarding Lead (BAC’s Chief Executive) who will in turn report them to the relevant department at Lambeth Council Social Services Department. It is the Centre’s legal responsibility to ensure that any such suspicions are recorded and formally passed on to the appropriate authorities

Where we believe there is immediate danger, the member of staff or volunteer will call 999 for ambulance / police

What to do if you have a safeguarding concern

If you have any concern about the abuse or neglect of a child, or an adult you are in contact with then you should speak to the adviser assisting you. If you think it is is an emergency and someone is in immediate danger you should telephone 999 for the ambulance / police straightaway