NSPCC Keeping children safe in OOSS activities
Visit siteHere to Help
Supporting You.
Sometimes, stories or events taking place in the press can affect us in ways we don't expect or aren't prepared for, and when that happens it can be hard to know where to turn.
Whether you're looking for support, best practice, a friendly-ear or advice, we understand, and we’re here to help.
We’ve rounded up a wide variety of places you can find a variety of types of support, guidance, advice or someone to listen. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, reach out to the team directly and we will try to work with you to find a path forwards.
Please note: this is not an exhaustive list, and we will be regularly updating and adding links.
Safeguarding Children and Young People
Links for advice and support when working with young people.
NSPCC How to have difficult conversations
Visit siteSafeguarding guidance for OOSS providers including dance clubs
Visit siteProtectUK offers advice and guidance to businesses and the public to help keep them safe – this advice is widely applicably and includes the existing Act for Education e-learning which is available to all staff, including non-staff working across education settings
Whilst aimed at registered education settings, some OOSS may find it useful to consider some existing protective security and preparedness guidance for education settings
Visit siteGuidance for talking with both 5 - 11 and 11 - 19 year olds.
Visit site (5-11 years) Visit site (11- 19 years)Safer Dance is a collective voice working towards high standards of safeguarding in dance.
Visit siteMental Health and wellbeing
If you, or someone you know is in crisis, don't wait. A mental health emergency is as serious as a physical one - call 999 immediately.
The links and services below may take time to respond.
Thanks to the NHS for support in locating and sourcing these suppliers.
If you are looking for mental health support, visit NIDMS' Mental Health information
Visit siteCall 116 123 to talk to Samaritans, or email: jo@samaritans.org for a reply within 24 hours
Visit siteText "SHOUT" to 85258 to contact the Shout Crisis Text Line, or text "YM" if you're under 19
Visit siteIf you're under 19, you can also call 0800 1111 to talk to Childline. The number will not appear on your phone bill.
Visit siteIf you struggle with suicidal thoughts or are supporting someone else who does, it could help to make a safety plan:
- the Staying Safe website provides information on how to make a safety plan, including video tutorials and online templates to guide you through the process
- the mental health charity Mind also provides information on planning for a mental health crisis
LGBTQ+ Support
Stonewall’s Information Service is here to help with any issues affecting LGBT people or their families.
Visit siteLGBT Switchboard – Switchboard is an LGBT+ helpline – here to help with whatever you want to talk about. Conversations are 100% confidential. Call 0300 330 0630 (10am-10pm daily).
Visit siteEquality Advisory Support Service EASS – advises and assists individuals on issues relating to equality and human rights across England, Scotland and Wales. Phone number 0808 800 0082.
Visit site
Adult safeguarding
The Ann Craft Trust is a leading UK authority on safeguarding adults through pioneering training, reviews and research.
Visit siteYour rights
Equity is a union of performers and creative practitioners, united in the fight for fair terms and conditions in the workplace.
Visit siteCitizens Advice (CA) – provides free, confidential, impartial and independent advice on a broad range of subjects, including debt, benefits, housing, legal matters, employment, immigration and consumer issues.
Visit site