Safeguarding
 
Your safety and wellbeing are important to me.
 
I provide counselling primarily to adults aged 18 and over. Although my practice works with adults, safeguarding responsibilities can also arise where information disclosed during counselling relates to a child, young person or adult at risk. 
 
Confidentiality and safeguarding
 
Counselling is confidential, but confidentiality is not absolute.
I may need to share relevant information where there is:

• a serious risk of harm to you

• a serious risk of harm to another person

• a concern about abuse or neglect of a child

• a concern about abuse or neglect of an adult at risk

• a legal requirement to disclose information

• a court order requiring disclosure.

Where possible, I will discuss concerns with you before information is shared. However, this may not always be possible where there is an immediate risk. 
 

Safeguarding concerns may include
 

Safeguarding concerns can include:

• physical abuse

• emotional or psychological abuse

• sexual abuse

• financial abuse

• domestic abuse

• coercive control

• neglect or self-neglect

• exploitation

• discriminatory abuse

• concerns about the safety of a child or adult at risk.

Each situation will be considered individually and appropriate action will be taken in accordance with my professional and legal responsibilities. 

Online counselling
 

For online counselling, I ask clients to provide their current location/address, emergency contact details and GP details.

This information may be used if an immediate welfare or safeguarding concern arises.

I also ask clients to attend online sessions from a private space where possible.

If there is an immediate emergency

I am not an emergency or crisis service.

If you are in immediate danger or there is an urgent risk of serious harm, please contact 999 or attend your nearest A&E department.

For urgent mental health support in England, you can contact NHS 111.

You can also contact Samaritans on 116 123, available 24 hours a day.