Safeguarding Policy
Let’s Be Friends – Muslim Women’s Befriending Service by Ad Duha institute
1. Purpose of the Policy
The purpose of this safeguarding policy is to:
* Protect the women who use our service from harm, abuse, or neglect.
* Ensure volunteers understand their role, boundaries, and responsibilities.
* Provide clear steps to follow if a concern arises.
* Maintain a safe, respectful, and Islamic-inspired service based on compassion (rahmah) and trust.
This policy applies to all volunteers, coordinators, and staff involved in the befriending service.
2. Principles We Follow
We commit to:
Safety
Every sister has the right to feel safe, respected, and supported.
Dignity
We treat all women with dignity and confidentiality.
Boundaries
We maintain professional yet warm boundaries to ensure safety for both volunteers and service users.
Islamic Ethics
Our work is guided by Islamic values of mercy, integrity, trust, and amanah (responsibility).
3. Types of Concerns You May Notice
During calls, a volunteer may become aware of:
* Emotional distress
* Social isolation
* Self-neglect
* Domestic abuse
* Financial exploitation
* Mental health concerns
* Safeguarding risks involving children
* Sudden behaviour changes
* Comments suggesting the person feels unsafe
You are not responsible for diagnosing or fixing these issues — only for reporting them.
4. Volunteer Responsibilities
Volunteers must:
* Maintain confidentiality (except when there is a safeguarding concern).
* Report concerns immediately to the Safeguarding Coordinator.
* Keep appropriate boundaries.
* Not offer counselling, advice, or professional support.
* Not meet alone with service users outside agreed meet-ups.
* Not promise to keep secrets if harm is involved.
* Not share personal home address or private social media.
5. Recognising Signs of Abuse
You may notice:
Emotional Abuse
* Being belittled, controlled, isolated
* Fearfulness when talking about someone
Physical Abuse
* Mention of injuries or harm
Financial Abuse
* Being pressured for money
* Losing control of finances
Domestic Abuse
* Fear of partner or family
* Restrictions on speaking / activities
Self-Neglect / Mental Health Crisis
* Expressions of hopelessness
* Statements like “I can’t cope anymore”
Risk to Children
Any statement that a child is suffering, unsafe, or neglected
(These must be reported immediately.)
6. When to Report a Concern
You must report a concern if you hear anything that suggests:
* She is unsafe
* Someone else is unsafe
* A child may be at risk
* She is being abused
* She may harm herself
* She is extremely distressed
* Her situation is deteriorating
When in doubt — report it.
7. How to Report a Concern
Volunteers must follow this simple 3-step process:
Step 1 — Stay Calm and Listen
* Allow the sister to speak.
* Do not ask many questions.
* Do not promise secrecy.
Step 2 — Write Down What Was Said
Record:
* Date and time
* Exact words used (as much as possible)
* Your own observations
* What you said in response
Step 3 — Contact the Safeguarding Lead Immediately
You must report within 24 hours (or sooner if urgent).
Safeguarding Lead:
Name: __________________________
Phone: __________________________
Email: __________________________
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 999, then inform the Safeguarding Lead.
8. What the Safeguarding Lead Will Do
The lead will:
* Assess the concern
* Contact the appropriate services if needed
* Support the volunteer
* Record all safeguarding matters securely
* Make decisions in line with safeguarding law and Islamic ethics
Volunteers will be kept updated where appropriate.
9. Confidentiality
Confidentiality is maintained at all times *except* when there is a risk of harm.
All notes are held securely and only accessible to the safeguarding lead and project coordinator.
10. Safe Practice for Volunteers
* Calls are only once per week, using your preferred safe method.
* You are not expected to be available outside agreed times.
* Keep calls friendly but not overly personal.
* Attend supervision/check-ins to discuss any worries.
* Protect your own emotional wellbeing.
11. What to Do If You Feel Uncomfortable or Affected
Volunteers may experience discomfort or triggers.
If this happens:
* Pause and take a breath.
* Politely redirect the conversation.
* If needed, end the call respectfully.
* Contact the coordinator for support.
* You will never be judged for needing help or stepping back.
12. Review of This Policy
This policy will be reviewed every 12 months or earlier if required.