Child Protection 

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🛡️ Our Commitment to Child Protection

At The Life Matters, the safety and wellbeing of children and young people is at the heart of everything we do.

We understand the profound responsibility that comes with supporting children in distress—particularly those at risk of self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or emotional trauma. That’s why we are fully committed to upholding the highest standards of child protection, legal compliance, and multi-agency collaboration.

✅ Safeguarding Is Not Optional—It’s Fundamental

Life Matters operates in strict accordance with:

• The Children Act 1989 & 2004

• Working Together to Safeguard Children (statutory guidance)

• Keeping Children Safe in Education (KCSIE)

• Local Safeguarding Partnership frameworks

All our staff, volunteers, and trained facilitators are:

• Fully DBS-checked (enhanced level)

• Trained in child protection and safeguarding procedures

• Expected to report any disclosures or concerns immediately via clear internal channels

• Bound by a robust safeguarding policy, reviewed regularly to reflect evolving best practice

🤝 Multi-Agency Working

We recognise that safeguarding is a shared responsibility. The Life Matters works collaboratively and transparently with:

• Schools and education providers

• CAMHS and mental health professionals

• Social services and early help teams

• Police and local safeguarding partners

• Parents, carers, and community support networks

When a child is identified as being at risk, we act swiftly and proportionately, always prioritising the child’s safety and right to be heard. Our approach aligns with early intervention and whole-system care, ensuring no child falls through the cracks.

🧠 Informed by Trauma, Guided by Ethics

All our programmes, including the Child’s Voice Programme, are:

• Trauma-informed and child-centred

• Designed to build trust, not dependency

• Run within clear ethical and legal frameworks

We balance compassionate support with professional boundaries and accountability, always acting in the best interests of the child.

📖 Transparency & Accountability

• Our safeguarding lead is available for consultation and escalation

• Facilitators receive ongoing supervision and refresher training

• We keep clear, confidential records in line with GDPR and safeguarding law

• We review every incident, disclosure, or concern to improve our service delivery

🧩 Why It Matters

Children who are self-harming or experiencing suicidal thoughts are often hiding in plain sight. By taking child protection seriously, we don’t just fulfil a legal duty—we create trust. And that trust can be the first step toward saving a life.