Online & Digital Safeguarding Policy

Most of the support we offer at AuDHD UK happens online – through WhatsApp groups, video calls, and messages. Digital spaces can be powerful tools for connection, but they can also present unique challenges when it comes to safeguarding.

This policy is here to help everyone feel informed, protected, and supported when engaging in our online and digital spaces.

🌐 Why Online Safeguarding Matters

When we're not face-to-face, it can be harder to spot when someone is struggling or at risk. Messages can be misread, tone can be lost, and people can sometimes feel less inhibited in what they share.

That’s why safeguarding online is just as important – and just as real – as it is in person.

We want our digital spaces to be places of trust and care, where people can share safely and respectfully, and where concerns are taken seriously.

💻 What This Covers

This policy applies to all online and digital activity related to AuDHD UK, including:

  • WhatsApp groups

  • Video calls (e.g. peer support groups, check-ins, 1:1 support)

  • Direct messages between participants, supporters, or facilitators

  • Emails and other written communications relating to support

  • Online communities

  • Our website & social media 

It covers both how we keep people safe online, and how we respond when something worrying comes up.

📱 Creating Safe Digital Spaces

Here’s how we build safety into our online services:

  • Clear expectations – Every group and service will have a code of conduct that sets out what’s okay and what isn’t.

  • Named facilitators or points of contact – You’ll always know who to speak to if you have a concern.

  • Privacy and data protection – We take care with personal details, and only collect what we need to run our services safely.

  • Boundaries – Peer supporters and participants are encouraged to think carefully about what, when, and how they share online.

We recognise that digital communication works differently for everyone. We try to be flexible and trauma-informed in our approach.

⚠️ Risks We Look Out For

Some of the risks we pay close attention to in online spaces include:

  • Sharing of harmful or triggering content (including discussions of self-harm, suicide, abuse, or trauma)

  • Bullying, harassment, or exclusion – including unkind messages, tone policing, or dogpiling

  • Boundary violations – e.g. repeated private messaging, pressure to reply, or emotional over-reliance

  • Impersonation or misuse of identity

  • Digital fatigue and burnout – especially for peer supporters and facilitators

We encourage everyone to speak up if something doesn’t feel right – even if you’re not sure.

📩 Responding to Concerns Online

If something comes up in an online setting that causes concern:

  1. Pause – Take a moment to assess what’s happening.

  2. Document – Keep a screenshot or note of the message or event if possible.

  3. Reach out – Let a facilitator or the safeguarding lead know using the Safeguarding Concern Report Form.

  4. Don’t engage in conflict – If tensions are rising in a group, avoid responding publicly. Let a facilitator step in.

  5. Follow up – A safeguarding lead or staff member will get in touch to support everyone involved.

We will always approach online concerns with care, discretion, and a focus on safety – not punishment.

🤝 Respecting Each Other Online

In all digital spaces linked to AuDHD UK, we ask everyone to:

  • Treat others with kindness and patience

  • Be mindful of tone and how messages may be received

  • Avoid pressure for constant replies or emotional labour

  • Let us know if something doesn’t feel okay

We also ask that peer supporters and facilitators model healthy digital boundaries – including managing availability, privacy, and emotional regulation.

🔒 Privacy, Consent & Confidentiality

Online safeguarding also includes protecting people’s information. That means:

  • Not sharing screenshots or messages from support spaces outside the group

  • Not copying or forwarding messages without consent

  • Respecting people's choices around camera use, names, and pronouns

  • Being cautious with group invites – people should opt in knowingly and with clear information

We will always ask for consent before sharing personal details unless there's a serious safeguarding concern.

🧠 Looking After Ourselves Online

Being online – especially in supportive roles – can be emotionally draining. We encourage all peer supporters, facilitators, and participants to:

  • Take breaks from digital spaces when needed

  • Reach out for support if something is affecting you

  • Set boundaries around your availability and screen time

  • Use supervision or check-ins to reflect on how online work is impacting you

Looking after yourself is a safeguarding action, too.

📄 Reviewing This Policy

This policy will be reviewed annually, or sooner if needed – for example, if we introduce new platforms or services, or learn something important from an incident.

We welcome feedback and are always open to improving how we work online.

Last updated: 22 April 2025