Safeguarding & Support

Limits of Responsibility

The initiative operates within clear and deliberate boundaries. It exists to connect, inform, and signpost — not to assess, treat, or intervene.

• The initiative is not a registered service provider
• No participant should rely on the initiative as a primary source of professional support
• The founder and any volunteers are not trained safeguarding officers
• The initiative does not conduct risk assessments on individuals

Peer Support Only

The support provided through this initiative is peer based. This means:

• Support comes from shared experience, not professional qualification
• No advice given within the community constitutes professional guidance
• Participants are encouraged to seek professional support for any matter requiring specialist input
• The initiative does not endorse or validate any specific advice shared between peers

Crisis Signposting

The initiative is not equipped to manage crisis situations. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, suicidal thoughts, or any immediate risk to safety, please contact one of the following services:

• Emergency services: 999
• Samaritans: 116 123 (free, 24/7)
• Veterans' Gateway: 0808 802 1212
• Combat Stress: 0800 138 1619
• NHS urgent mental health support: 111, option 2
• SHOUT crisis text line: Text SHOUT to 85258

These organisations are professionally equipped to provide immediate, confidential support.

Reporting Safeguarding Concerns

If you become aware of a safeguarding concern involving a member of the community, you are encouraged to report it. This includes:

• Concerns about a person's safety or wellbeing
• Behaviour by a community member that may put others at risk
• Disclosures of abuse, neglect, or exploitation
• Any situation where you believe a person may be at risk of harm

How to Report

• Contact the founder directly at admin@dyslexiaindefence.com
• Reports will be acknowledged as promptly as possible
• All reports will be treated with seriousness and sensitivity

Escalation

Where a safeguarding concern is beyond the scope or capability of the initiative to address, the founder will:

• Signpost the individual to appropriate professional services
• Where there is an immediate risk to life, contact emergency services
• Where there is a concern about a child or vulnerable adult, consider referral to local authority safeguarding services
• Where there is a potential criminal matter, consider referral to the police

Confidentiality Boundaries

The initiative respects confidentiality but cannot guarantee absolute confidentiality in all circumstances.

• Information shared in confidence will be treated respectfully
• Confidentiality may be broken where there is a risk of serious harm to an individual or others
• Confidentiality may be broken where required by law
• Where confidentiality needs to be broken, the individual will be informed wherever possible and safe to do so

Age Policy

If it becomes apparent that a participant is under 18, their access to community spaces will be suspended and appropriate steps will be taken, which may include contacting a parent or guardian.

For resources relating to dyslexia in children and young people, please contact the British Dyslexia Association or your local education authority.

Non Clinical Disclaimer

All information and resources shared through the initiative are for general informational purposes only. They are not intended to replace or substitute professional assessment, diagnosis, or treatment.

Individuals are strongly encouraged to consult qualified professionals for any matters relating to health, wellbeing, legal rights, or workplace adjustments.