Safeguarding Guidance for Volunteers

Holidays With Help – Supporting Safe, Respectful and Positive Breaks


At Holidays With Help, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to ensuring that all adults we support are safe, respected and able to enjoy their respite break free from harm, abuse or neglect.

This page provides clear, practical safeguarding guidance for all volunteers, including those who do not work in health or social care. It is not formal training, but it sets out our expectations, key principles and what to do if you have a concern.

What Do We Mean by Safeguarding?


Safeguarding means:

  • Protecting adults from abuse, harm and neglect
  • Promoting dignity, respect and choice
  • Taking action if something does not feel right

As a volunteer, you may be in a position of trust. Safeguarding helps protect both the people we support and you.

Our Safeguarding Principles


All Holidays With Help volunteers are expected to:

  • Treat everyone with dignity and respect
  • Promote independence and choice wherever possible
  • Maintain appropriate boundaries at all times
  • Listen and take concerns seriously
  • Act, don’t ignore concerns or worries


What Is Abuse?

Abuse can take many forms. It may be a single incident or a pattern of behaviour.

Common Types of Abuse

  • Physical abuse

    Hitting, pushing, inappropriate restraint

  • Emotional or psychological abuse

    Threats, humiliation, intimidation

  • Sexual abuse

    Any sexual activity without consent

  • Neglect

    Failing to meet basic needs (food, medication, support)

  • Financial abuse

    Theft, pressure over money or belongings

  • Discriminatory abuse

    Unfair treatment due to disability, age, gender, race or beliefs

Do

  • Treat people as individuals, not as their disability
  • Ask for consent before helping or providing personal care
  • Communicate clearly and check understanding
  • Follow agreed care plans and guidance
  • Share concerns promptly with the Holidays With Help safeguarding lead

Don't

  • Promise to keep safeguarding concerns secret
  • Ignore behaviour that feels unsafe or inappropriate
  • Put yourself in situations where boundaries could be misunderstood
  • Take responsibility for concerns on your own


Professional Boundaries


Maintaining clear boundaries protects everyone.


Volunteers should:

  • Avoid being alone with someone where possible
  • Not give or receive expensive gifts
  • Not share personal contact details unless agreed by Holidays With Help
  • Not form inappropriate personal or dependent relationships

If you are unsure whether something is appropriate, ask.

Recognising a Safeguarding Concern

You may notice:

  • Unexplained injuries or changes in behaviour
  • Someone becoming withdrawn, anxious or distressed
  • Comments or disclosures that suggest harm or fear
  • Poor hygiene, hunger or lack of appropriate support

Trust your instincts – if something feels wrong, it probably is.

What To Do If You Are Concerned

  • 1. Stay calm and listen

    • Take the person seriously
    • Do not ask leading questions

  • 2. Do not promise confidentiality

    • Explain that you may need to share the concern to keep them safe

  • 3. Record what you have seen or been told

    • Use the person’s own words where possible
    • Note dates, times and facts

  • 4. Report the concern immediately

    • Contact the Holidays With Help Safeguarding Lead
    • If someone is in immediate danger, call emergency services (999)

Who to Contact

If you have any safeguarding concerns during a break or while volunteering:

  • Holidays With Help Safeguarding Lead: Rosie McIntyre

If a person is at immediate risk of harm:

  • Call 999

A Final Word

Safeguarding is about creating safe, enjoyable and respectful experiences for everyone. You do not need to be an expert – you just need to:

  • Be aware
  • Be respectful
  • Be willing to speak up


Thank you for helping us keep Holidays With Help safe for all.