SAFEGUARDING & WELLBEING HUB

Our Safeguarding Statement

 

At BEC, the safety and wellbeing of our athletes is our top priority. We are committed to providing a safe, supportive, and positive environment where all athletes can train, grow, and thrive.

 

Safeguarding and wellbeing are at the heart of everything we do, and we take our responsibility to protect children and young people seriously.

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What Is Safeguarding?

Safeguarding means protecting children and young people from harm, abuse, or neglect, and ensuring they grow up in a safe, supportive, and positive environment. It also means creating a culture where everyone feels listened to, respected, and able to raise concerns.

 

How We Keep Athletes Safe?

• We work proactively to safeguard everyone involved in our programme by:

• Having clear safeguarding policies and procedures in place

• Ensuring all coaches are trained and appropriately vetted

• Following safer recruitment practices, including DBS checks where required

• Maintaining clear reporting and recording processes

• Working in partnership with relevant safeguarding agencies

 

What Can You Do?

Parents, carers, and athletes all play an important role in safeguarding and wellbeing.

 

You can help by:

Talking to your child about how they feel at training

Reporting any concerns or worries, no matter how small they may seem

Sharing information honestly if asked

Working with us to help keep all athletes safe

 

If You Have a Concern

If you are worried about the safety or wellbeing of an athlete, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead as soon as possible.

 

Designated Safeguarding Lead: Hannah Drumm

Email: BECsafeguarding@outlook.com

 

All concerns will be taken seriously and handled appropriately.

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If a concern cannot be dealt with internally, or if you feel unable to raise it with BEC, support is available through the external organisations listed below.

 

External Support and Reporting​

Local Safeguarding Support Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)
MASH is a multi-agency team which identifies risks to vulnerable adults and children.

If an immediate response from Children’s Social Care is required: 01202 123 334
Email: childrensfirstresponse@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

For urgent concerns about a child, call 999 or 101.

Out of hours team: 01202 738 256​

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Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO)
Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council
01202 817 600
LADO@bcpcouncil.gov.uk

 

National Safeguarding Support

NSPCC (for adults) 0808 800 5000 (24 hours, free)
Report concerns online: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/

Childline (for children and young people) 0800 1111 (free)
Calls will not appear on phone bills from landlines or most mobile networks.

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Wellbeing and Additional Support​​/Signposting

This page can also be used as a quiet space for athletes and families to find trusted information and support. The organisations below offer confidential advice and guidance and can be accessed at any time.

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You do not need to inform BEC that you have accessed these services unless you wish to do so.

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Mental Health Support

• Dorset Mind
  Local mental health support services for children, young people and adults.
  https://www.dorsetmind.uk

• Kooth
  Free, confidential online mental health support for young people.
  https://www.kooth.com

• YoungMinds
  Information and guidance on emotional wellbeing and mental health for young people and parents.
  https://www.youngminds.org.uk

 

Eating Disorders and Disordered Eating

• Beat
  The UK’s eating disorder charity, offering support, helplines and resources for individuals and families.
  https://www.beateatingdisorders.org.uk

• F.E.A.S.T.
  Support and information for parents and carers supporting someone with an eating disorder.
  https://www.feast-ed.org

 

Emotional Wellbeing and Support in Sport

• BCP Safeguarding Children Partnership
  Emotional health and wellbeing support for children and young people in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole.
  https://www.bscp.org.uk

• CPSU
  Guidance for parents on keeping children safe and supported in sport.
  https://thecpsu.org.uk/parents

• Parents in Sport
  Resources to help parents support their children positively in sport.
  https://parentsinsport.co.uk

 

Bereavement and Grief Support

• Cruse Bereavement Support
  Support for children, young people and families experiencing grief or loss.
  https://www.cruse.org.uk

• YoungMinds
  Information on understanding grief and supporting young people through loss.
  https://www.youngminds.org.uk

 

A Supportive Environment

BEC recognises that cheerleading can bring both physical and emotional pressures. We are committed to supporting the overall wellbeing of our athletes and encouraging a culture where it is okay to seek help.

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Safeguarding and wellbeing are everyone’s responsibility, and support is always available.​

 

Thank you for helping us keep BEC a safe, supportive place for all.