This policy applies to all team members and volunteers.

Statement of Intent
Men’s Room Hastings and St Leonards CIC provides a safe space for men to support one another. We are fully committed to protecting our service users, staff, and volunteers from abuse, harm, or neglect, and responding effectively to mental health crises.

In-Person Session Safety Rules

To maintain the safety of everyone during face-to-face peer support groups, the following rules are mandatory:

• • The Two-Person Rule:  A minimum of two volunteers or team members must be present at every in-person group session. A single volunteer must never be left completely alone in the venue with a service user.

• • Lone Working & Lock-up: If a volunteer must secure the building alone at the end of a session, they must text a designated team member immediately upon safely arriving home.

• • Venue Setup: All venues must have clear fire exits, a designated first-aid kit, and access to a private, quiet space if a volunteer needs to sit one-on-one with a member experiencing distress.

The 4-Step Action Plan (The Four Rs)

1. Recognize: Notice signs of abuse, severe self-harm, neglect, or acute mental health crisis.

2. Respond: Listen calmly and without judgment. Do not promise absolute confidentiality. Explain that you must pass information on if they or someone else is at risk of harm.

3. Record: Complete a written log containing factual information, exact dates, times, and verbatim phrases used. Volunteers must never store these reports on their personal devices.

4. Refer: Pass the written log to the DSL within 24 hours (or immediately if it is a crisis). The DSL will securely store the report in a password-protected digital folder.

Vetting & Training Requirements

• • Enhanced DBS Checks: All group-facing volunteers must hold a valid, enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check before they are permitted to facilitate sessions.

• • Mandatory Safeguarding Training: Volunteers must complete basic Adult Safeguarding training (accessible online via the East Sussex Safeguarding Adults Board).

• • Volunteer Wellbeing: Facilitating men’s mental health support is emotionally demanding. The team will hold regular debrief sessions to support the volunteers’ own mental health and review group safety.

Emergency & Local Escalation Contacts

Keep these numbers printed and visible to volunteers during all group sessions.

Immediate Danger to Life
If a person has attempted suicide, taken an overdose, is actively violent, or requires immediate emergency medical attention:
* Call 999 (Emergency Services)

Local Mental Health Crisis Support
If a group member is experiencing severe suicidal ideation or an acute mental health breakdown:
NHS Mental Health Crisis Line: Call 111 and select the mental health option (Sussex Mental Healthline – 24/7).
Woodlands Centre for Acute Care (Hastings): Call 0300 3040253.
Staying Well Space (Hastings & St Leonards-on-Sea): Call 0800 0236475 (Out-of-hours crisis support for ages 18+).
Crisis Text Line: Text SUSSEX to 85258 (24/7 confidential text support).
Samaritans: Call 116 123 (24/7 free listening service).

Reporting Abuse or Neglect (Non-Emergency Safeguarding)
If you suspect a vulnerable adult attending your group is experiencing abuse, financial exploitation, domestic violence, or severe neglect at home:
East Sussex Adult Social Care (Health and Social Care Connect): Call 0345 60 80 191 (Open 8am to 8pm, 7 days a week).
Out-of-Hours Social Care Emergencies: Call 0345 60 80 191 and select Option 2.
Sussex Police (Non-Emergency): Call 101.