Somerset Activity & Sports Partnership (SASP) is committed to providing safe, enjoyable activities and sporting opportunities for young people and adults at risk.

• We have a moral and a legal obligation to ensure that highest possible standard of care for those children, young people and adults who use our service.
• We believe that children, young people and adults at risk have the right to be safe, secure and free from threat.
• We believe that everyone has the right to be treated with respect and to have their concerns listened to and acted upon.

To this end, the following policy documents have been compiled for guidance and to raise awareness for all staff working for or with SASP, whether paid or unpaid.

SASP Sport Welfare Officer Tracey Sweetland has been appointed as part of the new national network. Across England Sports Welfare Officers will support National Governing Bodies (NGB) and their local clubs to promote good practice and safe sport for children, young people and adults locally.

We can provide local support and opportunities to assist you in your volunteer roles. Whether that's helping you meet your safeguarding responsibilities, connecting you with other club welfare officers or assisting you to grow your knowledge and skills - we are here to help. Your sport may already have regional safeguarding staff who provide your club with support. If it does – these teams are still your primary contact. Sport Welfare Officers will work with these representatives and your National Governing Body to connect sports and promote good welfare locally.

You can contact us about anything. Whatever your worry, it's better out than in. We're here to support you any way we can.

Call our office on 01823 653990 and ask to speak to either Laura Carter or Jane Clark, or contact us online here.

We aren't on the end of the phone 24:7 but you can always call Childline on 0800 1111. Calls to them are free from landlines & mobiles in the UK. And they won't show up on your phone bill. Even if you don't have credit on your mobile phone you can still call them.

Take a look at Childline's Sport and Exercise Info for advice on issues relating to sport.

Remember – Don't let anyone spoil the fun. Sport and physical activity IS fun – it lets you make new friends, try out new activities and amaze yourself with what you can do.

Useful links:

Thinkuknow - for online and offline safety advice and support

National Bullying Helpline - for help and advice on bullying in school and online

Childline - support for you online or over the phone

Stonewall - help and advice for LGBTQ+ communities and their allies

Check out our Training & Development page to find out how you can access the necessary safeguarding training needed for your coaches and volunteers. If you have any question about this you can contact the SASP office for advice on 01823 653990.

The CPSU have put together a webpage which details some useful information with regards to understanding DBS checks in sport and which roles are eligible.

They have also produced a podcast which talks about the basics of DBS checks in sport - listen here.

You can also find further information on the DBS website.

Where to start when creating a safe environment for adults involved in your organisation.

This toolkit is designed to provide both an understanding of the importance of key safeguarding considerations and practical resources that organisations can promote or adapt.

The toolkit also includes useful resources and links for parents.

SASP Safeguarding Lead - Laura Carter / 01823 653990 / lcarter@sasp.co.uk

SASP Deputy Safeguarding Lead - Jane Clark / 01823 653990 / jclark@sasp.co.uk

Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership (and Adult Social Care) - 0300 123 2224

Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership - Early Help Advice Hub - 01823 355803

Childline - 0800 1111

NSPCC helpline - 0808 800 5000