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Safeguarding
What is Safeguarding?
At FIRST, safeguarding means creating a safe, supportive and respectful environment where everyone can learn and grow with courage. We believe every learner - whatever their age, background or circumstance - has the right to feel safe, valued and protected from harm.
Our safeguarding policies and procedures help ensure that everyone is protected from risk of abuse, neglect or exploitation and that staff and partners understand their shared responsibility to promote wellbeing and take action if concerns arise.
We put the needs of our learners first, please don't hesitate to contact us via the details below.
If you have a concern
Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Julianne Percival.
“Everyone deserves a safe space to learn, grow and be heard.” - JP
If you have a safeguarding concern during the working day (10.00am - 4.00pm) please contact a member of staff on:
Office Number: 01913001575
Julianne's Number: 07355674090
Outside of the working day please email Julianne@youarefirst.co.uk and it will be followed up the following day.
If you believe someone is at immediate risk of harm you should call 999.
SAFEGUARDING IS EVERYONE’S RESPONSIBILITY
At FIRST, we encourage all learners to speak up if something doesn’t feel right. This might include noticing changes in someone’s behaviour, appearance or mood, signs of isolation, unexplained injuries, or hearing something that causes concern. Reporting even small worries helps us keep everyone safe and supported - it’s always better to talk to a tutor or member of the learning support team if you’re unsure.
What happens next?
Above all else, your voice will be heard, and your concerns will be taken seriously. Our Safeguarding Team is fully trained and experienced in handling safeguarding issues with care, ensuring you are treated with sensitivity and respect throughout.
To help us understand your situation, we’ll ask for some details about your concern. In certain cases, we may need to work with other organisations such as the Police or social services. We will only share information when it is necessary to protect you, or the person at risk, from harm.
PREVENT
Our work aligns with the Prevent strategy - which forms part of the UK government’s broader counter-terrorism approach. Its mission is to address the ideological roots of terrorism, provide early support to individuals vulnerable to radicalisation, and help those who have engaged in extremist activity to safely disengage and rehabilitate.
National Support Helplines
Domestic Abuse & Exploitation
- National Domestic Abuse Helpline (Refuge): 0808 2000 247 (24/7 support)
- Modern Slavery Helpline (Unseen UK): 08000 121 700
- National LGBT+ Domestic Abuse Helpline (Galop): 0800 999 5428
Mental Health & Wellbeing
- Samaritans: 116 123 (24/7 support if you’re struggling to cope)
- Mind Infoline: 0300 123 3393 (mental health advice & information)
- Cruse Bereavement Support: 0808 808 1677 (support with grief & loss)
Children, Young People & Families
- NSPCC Helpline: 0808 800 5000 (if you’re worried about a child’s safety or wellbeing)
General Advice & Safety
- Victim Support: 0808 168 9111 (support if you’ve been affected by crime)
- Age UK Advice Line: 0800 678 1602 (for older adults at risk of abuse, neglect, or isolation)
