This young people’s safeguarding plan was designed jointly with young people on our DurhamWorks Youth Forum.
It sets out information about our safeguarding responsibilities.
What is safeguarding?
Safeguarding is protecting people from abuse or neglect.
Safeguarding is helping people to get the support they need to succeed (for example, housing or mental health support).
Safeguarding is important for everyone to consider.
This means that everyone is entitled to seek help or advice for themselves or another person.
In an emergency, you should call the police on 999 or in non-emergencies on 101.
For help from Social Services for a child or adult, you should call First Contact on 03000 267979 (available 24 hours a day).
What is confidentiality?
Confidentiality is not about keeping secrets, it means making sure information about you is only shared with another person or organisation when it is necessary, for example:
If the adviser is worried about the safety of the young person or somebody else (safeguarding).
If the adviser and young person agree that it would be good for another person to know the information (i.e., any additional help that you might need at work or at college).
It also means that we keep information about you in a safe place.
DurhamWorks is part of Durham County Council. To help support young people we sometimes work with colleagues from a range of other services, some examples are:
- Colleges, Schools and Training Providers / Employers
- Social Workers, Family Support Workers and Young People’s Advisers
- Youth Justice Workers
- SEND Caseworkers
- Mental Health Services
How do DurhamWorks make sure young people feel safe?
DurhamWorks staff should always wear Durham County Council badges.
If a DurhamWorks adviser is worried about a young person, they will seek help from services.
DurhamWorks buildings should be always safe. For example, no cables or rubbish that can trip people up.
DurhamWorks will ask young people about any additional help they may need, and we will do our best to accommodate to meet those needs. For example, meeting in buildings with lifts or near bus routes.
DurhamWorks staff will treat all young people with respect and will not discriminate against any young person.
How can you help DurhamWorks make sure young people are safe?
Please be respectful towards staff and do not use discriminatory language towards anyone. Please do not attend appointments under the influence of alcohol or other drugs.
Agree with your adviser how you would like to keep in touch with them. Make sure they have your correct contact details.
Don’t worry if you must miss an appointment but please let your adviser know.
Talk to your adviser about any additional needs that you have, for example, if you have caring responsibilities or mobility needs.
DurhamWorks staff support a wide range of young people and will not judge a person based on their past difficulties or behaviour.Please be open with your adviser so they can help you best.