Harlington Hospice and its partner organisations are committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and young people and for protecting adults who need our care. Our recruitment, training and supervision procedures include the measures we take to provide protection for these groups.

We require enhanced Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks to be carried out on all staff and volunteers in relevant roles.

Children

Harlington Hospice believes that a child or young person should never experience abuse of any kind. We have a responsibility to promote the welfare of all children and young people and to keep them safe.

Whether children and young people are using our services themselves or are connected to adults using our services, we’re committed to practice and behave in a way that protects them.

Safeguarding children means:
• Protecting children from abuse and maltreatment

• Preventing harm to children’s health or development

• Ensuring children grow up with the provision of safe and effective care

• Taking action to enable all children and young people to have the best outcomes.

Abuse can occur anywhere at any time and can be carried out by anyone. It can be a single act, repeated acts over a period of time or due to a failure to act (neglect). It can happen to one person or several people at the same time.

This is the responsibility of every trustee, member of staff and volunteer who works within our organisation.

If you’re worried about a child or are concerned about an ongoing issue involving a child, please contact Hillingdon Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) directly on 01895 556633.  If you feel a child is in immediate danger, then call the Police on 999. 

If you are a child or young person contact Childline on 0800 1111 or take a look at their website for advice and support.

Adults

Harlington Hospice believes that no one should ever experience abuse of any kind. 

Every person who uses our services, or is connected to someone using our services, has a right to live their life in safety, free from abuse and neglect. And with their care and protection needs met.

We know that some people are more vulnerable to abuse and neglect because of their age, mental capacity, illness, or disability and are not always able to protect themselves.

Someone at risk is someone who:

• Has specific care and support needs.
• Is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect.
• Is unable to protect themselves from either the risk of, or the experience of, abuse or neglect, because of their care and support needs. 

It is the responsibility of all trustees, members of staff, and volunteers to safeguard against the abuse of vulnerable adults connected to our services. By raising awareness, undertaking preventative training, and providing a clear framework for action when abuse is suspected.

If you are concerned about somebody who is receiving care and support at our Hospice, a family member, or somebody known to Harlington Hospice, please discuss your concerns with our Clinical Director, Sara Ryan. By contacting  sryan@harlingtonhospice.org.