Safeguarding in Peer Support

At AuDHD UK, we believe in the power of peer support – the kind that comes from shared experience, mutual understanding, and genuine care. Whether it’s a conversation in a WhatsApp group, a video chat, or meeting in person, we want everyone involved to feel safe, respected, and supported.

That’s what this policy is all about: making sure we’re looking after one another well, especially when things get difficult.

🛟 Keeping Each Other Safe

Peer support can bring up big feelings – and sometimes, serious concerns. Safeguarding is how we respond when someone might be at risk of harm, or struggling in a way that needs more support than we can offer alone.

It doesn’t mean we’re trying to take over, or act like professionals. It just means we take care of each other, and speak up when we need to.

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Who This Is For

This applies to everyone involved in peer support at AuDHD UK – whether you’re taking part in a group, offering 1:1 support, or helping behind the scenes.

If you're part of a peer support space (online or in person), this is for you.

💬 What We Mean by Peer Support

We offer support in a few different ways:

  • Group chats – mostly on WhatsApp, where people can connect, share, and support each other in real time.

  • Video and in-person groups – where people meet to talk, share experiences, and support one another face-to-face.

  • 1:1 peer support and mentoring – where someone can talk with a peer who’s been through similar things and wants to help.

All of these are non-clinical and informal – but that doesn’t mean anything goes. We still have shared responsibilities.

🫱🏽‍🫲🏼 Our Shared Responsibilities

We all play a part in creating spaces where people can be themselves and feel safe. Here’s what that means in practice:

If you're offering peer support:

  • Know what to look out for – like signs that someone might be in distress or unsafe.

  • If someone shares something worrying, take it seriously.

  • Don’t try to manage it on your own – pass it on to the safeguarding lead.

  • Respect your own limits and boundaries – and look after yourself, too.

If you're taking part in a support space:

  • Be kind, respectful, and mindful of what others might be going through.

  • Let someone know (like a group facilitator or peer supporter) if something doesn’t feel right.

  • Understand that there are limits to confidentiality – especially when safety is at stake.

🧭 Boundaries and Confidentiality

Boundaries help keep peer support safe. We encourage openness, but there are some things we can’t keep to ourselves.

If someone shares something that makes us worry for their safety – or anyone else’s – we will pass that on to someone who can help. We’ll do this as respectfully and privately as possible, and we’ll explain what’s happening.

Peer supporters are also encouraged to be thoughtful about what they share from their own lives – especially if it could be heavy or distressing for someone else.

👂 What to Do If You’re Worried About Someone

If something concerning comes up – in a message, on a call, or in a conversation – here’s what to do:

  1. Listen without judgement. Let the person speak in their own words.

  2. Acknowledge and thank them. It takes courage to open up.

  3. Be honest. Let them know if you need to pass something on for safeguarding reasons.

  4. Make a note of what was said. You can use our Safeguarding Concern Report Form.

  5. Let the safeguarding lead or your supervisor know.

  6. Ask for support if you need it. You don’t have to manage this alone.

You don’t need to decide what counts as “serious” – if something feels off or worrying, it’s okay to check in with someone more experienced.

🧑‍⚕️ Looking After Peer Supporters

Peer support can be emotionally demanding. At AuDHD UK, we’re committed to supporting the people who support others. That includes:

  • Regular check-ins and supervision

  • Space to talk through anything difficult or unclear

  • A clear process for flagging concerns

No one should be left to figure things out alone.

🌳A Living Document

This policy will grow and change as we do. We’ll review it at least once a year – or sooner if we learn something new or update our services.

If you have questions, suggestions, or concerns, we want to hear from you.

Last updated: 22 April 2025