Safeguarding Issues

This page has been prepared by the District Safeguarding Officer to provide some basic information in the event of problems.


Supporting Ukrainian families - safeguarding guidance


The conflict and ongoing violence in Ukraine has caused families to forcibly leave their homes, in search of safety, with many arriving to the UK. During this very distressing and uncertain time, children and adults will need continued support.


To support the work you or your club may provide to Ukrainian refugees we have put together the following guidance, which we hope you find useful and acts as reminder of our safeguarding responsibilities when working with children, young people and adults.


Here are some of the issues that Rotary clubs working with refugees should be aware of:

Experience of trauma 

Some refugees have experienced extreme trauma prior to their arrival in the UK, either in the Ukraine or during the journey to the UK. You should be prepared to work with people who are likely to suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. 

Even though refugees may have been classified as vulnerable for the purposes of refugee resettlement this does not necessarily mean they are vulnerable in a safeguarding sense.

Mental health 

The refugees can feel stressed and under pressure. This can impact their mental health and the decisions they make day-to-day, adding to their vulnerability. 

Unaware of expectations 

Families may not be aware of the standards expected of parents in the UK. Examples of this can include leaving children alone at a young age and not using car seats when travelling.

Cultural practice 

Families may bring beliefs, cultural and religious practices with them that contribute towards abuse. This can include disciplinary practices towards children which may be relatively common in the Ukraine, that are illegal in the UK. Additionally, there may be deeply held views about family relationships and gender roles which may make abuse more difficult to identify.


Rotary responsibilities

All Rotary clubs and Rotarians working with refugees need to be alert to their safeguarding responsibilities in undertaking this work.

Good safeguarding practice requires the following:

All Rotary Clubs and Rotarians involved in projects for refugees should be familiar with the Rotary safeguarding policy.

Inclusion of safeguarding in your risk assessment

Consideration of the need for a DBS

Good communication and sharing of expertise and specialist knowledge between Rotary clubs and local sources of advice and support for those working with the Ukrainian refugees.

Always act, and be seen to act, in the child, young persons or adult’s best interests.

Avoid any conduct which would lead any reasonable person to question your motivation and intentions.

Take responsibility for your own actions and behaviour.

All safeguarding concerns should be referred to the club safeguarding officer who will respond to them in line with the Rotary safeguarding policy. 


Remember the four R’s of safeguarding:

Recognise – know the signs

Respond – take action, do not delay

Record – accurate, factual, signed and dated

Report – share the concerns with your Club Safeguarding Officer (If you do not know who this is or do not have one report to your Club President) or District Safeguarding Officer, Kate Haythornthwaite, 07538723336.

If you are concerned a child, young person or adult is at risk of immediate harm call the police. 

Barnardo’s free helpline to support Ukrainian families

In response to Ukrainian crisis and following discussion with the Association of Ukrainians in Great Britain, Barnardo’s has set up the Ukrainian Support Helpline to provide a holistic support service. The Helpline is available to anyone fleeing the conflict in Ukraine.  

Barnardo’s free helpline, 0800 148 8586, is staffed by English, Ukrainian and Russian speakers, to offer support to children and families arriving in the UK from Ukraine.

The helpline is open Monday to Friday, 10am to 8pm, and Saturday 10am to 3pm

They can provide support with:

Therapy with a qualified psychotherapist – delivered via the phone or online, with access to interpreters 

Advice on a range of issues e.g., housing, accessing key health services, education, employment and more via their trained helpline support workers 

Practical support - access to digital devices to ensure families stay connected to loved ones during this worrying time, as well as stimulating toys for children, vital baby items and more   

You can email Barnardo’s at: ukrainiansupport@barnardos.org.uk   


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