Report a Concern

If you have a safeguarding concern you MUST report it.

In British Fencing we believe that the welfare of children and adults at risk is everyone’s responsibility, particularly when it comes to protecting them from abuse. Everyone in fencing – administrator, club official, coach, parent, friend, children themselves, everyone – can help.

Serious Concerns/Imminent Risk

If you have a serious concern and you believe that a child or adult at risk is at imminent risk in the first instance you must contact the Police or Children/Adult Services in your area and then contact the Equality and Safeguarding Manager on the emergency 24hr safeguarding number: 07526 003030 immediately.

If you are in doubt as to whether your concern is serious, contact the Equality and Safeguarding Manager, Liz Behnke for advice on 077177 40125.

If the Equality and Safeguarding Manager is unavailable call the NSPCC (help@nspcc.org.uk) who are available 24/7 for help, advice and support: 0808 800 5000

1. If the concern arises during an event, you should contact the designated event welfare officer
2. If the concern relates to an affiliated club activity, you should contact the club welfare officer
3. If none of the above apply or you are not comfortable speaking to the nominated welfare officers please contact the Equality and Safeguarding Manager during normal working hours: Liz Behnke on 077177 40125.

Finally, please remember BF will support anyone who, in good faith, reports his or her concerns that a child is at risk of, or may actually be, being abused.

Helplines

Having reported a concern, you may wish to access further support.

The following helplines provide emotional and crisis support to everyone affected by mental ill health and other issues:

Hub of Hope: https://hubofhope.co.uk/

Bright Sky: a free to download mobile app, launched in partnership with the Vodafone Foundation, providing support and information to anyone who may be in an abusive relationship or those concerned about someone they know.

The app is also designed to be used by specialist and non-specialist practitioners and other employers, and for anyone looking for information about issues around domestic abuse such as online safety, stalking and harassment and sexual consent.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.newtonmobile.hestia&hl=en_GB

https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/bright-sky/id1105880511?mt=8

Reporting Child Abuse to the Police

Operation Hydrant have developed an animation, designed to inform victims and survivors of child abuse what happens next should they decide to report to police, to enable a more informed decision.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=84G_1gUDM7M&feature=youtu.be