Safeguarding Policy for Mental Health Help Sussex CIC

As a mental health friendly organisation, we consider MH3 within our safeguarding policy; MH3: Reducing Restrictive Practices within Adult Low and Medium Secure Services for Mental Health Programme of Care Schemes, which forms part of the 2016/17 Prescribed Specialised Services Commissioning for Quality and Innovation (CQUIN) schemes.

1. Introduction

MHHS is committed to promoting the wellbeing and safeguarding of all its members. We recognize our responsibility to ensure that the environment is safe, respectful, and supportive, especially for vulnerable individuals. This policy outlines our commitment to safeguarding and the procedures we follow to protect our members from harm.

2. Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to:

Protect members of MHHS from harm.
Provide staff and volunteers with guidance on recognizing and responding to safeguarding concerns.
Ensure a safe and supportive environment for all members.
– To provide protection for the individuals who receive MHHS’s services, including the children, young people, and vulnerable adults.

3. Scope

This policy applies to all members, staff, volunteers, and anyone working on behalf of MHHS.

4. Principles

Our safeguarding policy is based on the following principles:

Protection: We will take all reasonable steps to protect our members from harm, abuse, psychological abuse, and neglect.
Empowerment: We support and encourage members to make their own decisions and provide informed consent.
Prevention: We aim to prevent abuse by raising awareness and providing training to staff and volunteers.
Proportionality: We will respond to safeguarding concerns in a balanced and proportionate manner.
Partnership: We will work with external agencies to ensure the safety and wellbeing of our members.
Accountability: We will ensure transparency and accountability in our safeguarding practices.

5. Definitions

Abuse: Includes physical, emotional, sexual, financial, and neglectful actions that cause harm to an individual.
Vulnerable Adult: Any person aged 18 or over who is or may be unable to take care of themselves or protect themselves against significant harm or exploitation.

6. Roles and Responsibilities

Safeguarding Lead: Andrew O’Leary
Email: mhhsussex1066@gmail.com
Phone: 07762395419

Responsible for overseeing the implementation of this policy.
Acts as the main point of contact for safeguarding concerns.
Ensures that safeguarding training is provided to all staff and volunteers.
Staff and Volunteers:
- Must be familiar with and adhere to this policy.
- Report any concerns or suspicions of abuse to the Safeguarding Lead.
- Participate in safeguarding training and awareness activities.

7. Recognizing Abuse

All staff and volunteers should be aware of the signs and indicators of abuse, which may include:

Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour.
Withdrawal or fearfulness.
Poor physical appearance or hygiene.
Financial irregularities.

8. Responding to Concerns

If a member reports a safeguarding concern, or if abuse is suspected:

Listen: Take the concern seriously and listen without judgment.
Reassure: Reassure the individual that they have done the right thing by reporting the concern.
Record: Document the concern accurately and promptly.
Report: Inform the Safeguarding Lead immediately.

9. Confidentiality

All safeguarding concerns will be handled with confidentiality. Information will only be shared with relevant parties on a need-to-know basis to ensure the safety and wellbeing of the individual involved.

10. Training

All staff and volunteers will receive regular safeguarding training to ensure they are aware of their responsibilities and can recognize and respond to safeguarding concerns effectively.

11. Monitoring and Review

This policy will be reviewed annually by the Safeguarding Lead and the management team to ensure it remains effective and up to date with current legislation and best practices.

12. Contact Information

Safeguarding Lead: Andrew O’Leary
Email: mhhsussex1066@gmail.com
Phone: 07762395419

13. Approval and Implementation

This policy has been approved by the management team and is effective as of 18/6/2024.

By adhering to this policy, MHHS aims to create a safe and supportive environment for all its members, ensuring their safety and wellbeing are always prioritised.

Principles of Adult Safeguarding

Learn the principles set out by The Care Act that underpin the safeguarding of adults.

The Care Act sets out the following principles that should underpin the safeguarding of adults.

Empowerment

People are supported and encouraged to make their own decisions and informed consent.

“I am asked what I want as the outcomes from the safeguarding process and this directly inform what happens.”

Prevention

It is better to take action before harm occurs.

“I receive clear and simple information about what abuse is. I know how to recognise the signs, and I know what I can do to seek help.”

Proportionality

The least intrusive response appropriate to the risk presented.

“I am sure that the professionals will work in my interest and they will only get involved as much as is necessary.”

Protection

Support and representation for those in greatest need.

“I get help and support to report abuse and neglect. I get help so that I am able to take part in the safeguarding process to the extent to which I want.”

Partnership

Services offer local solutions through working closely with their communities. Communities have a part to play in preventing, detecting and reporting neglect and abuse.

“I know that staff treat any personal and sensitive information in confidence, only sharing what is helpful and necessary. I am confident that professionals will work together and with me to get the best result for me.”

Accountability

Accountability and transparency in delivering safeguarding.

“I understand the role of everyone involved in my life and so do they.”