Safeguarding Policy and Disclaimer

At Adversity to Strength, we are fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of all clients—especially children, young people, and adults at risk. We operate under UK safeguarding legislation and professional ethical standards to ensure the safety, confidentiality, and wellbeing of those we support.

1. Scope

This policy applies to:
– All therapists and practitioners contracted by Adversity to Strength
– Any administrative staff involved in client support or care
– Clients engaging with our services, including international clients

2. Legal Framework

This policy complies with the following UK legislation:
– *Children Act 1989 & 2004*
– *Care Act 2014*
– *Working Together to Safeguard Children (2018)*
– *Data Protection Act 2018 & UK GDPR*

All therapists working under our business must uphold these standards in their work.

3. Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL)

Name: Lee Freeman
Email: leefreeman@adveritytostrength.com
Phone: 07341982015

The DSL is responsible for managing all safeguarding concerns and ensuring appropriate action is taken.

4. Recognising Safeguarding Concerns

Therapists are trained to identify concerns including but not limited to:
– Emotional, physical, or sexual abuse
– Neglect
– Domestic violence
– Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
– Exploitation, including online

5. Confidentiality and Safeguarding

While therapy is confidential, this may be broken if:
– A client is at risk of harming themselves or others
– A child or vulnerable adult is at risk
– A legal or professional obligation requires disclosure

Clients are informed of these limitations during onboarding and in our Terms of Service.

6. Reporting and Action

When a safeguarding concern is identified:
1. The therapist records the concern factually and securely.
2. The DSL is informed immediately.
3. If there is imminent risk, emergency services may be contacted without delay.
4. External agencies (e.g., local authority or MASH) may be informed as appropriate.

7. International Clients

We welcome clients from outside the UK. However, all safeguarding matters will be handled in accordance with UK legislation and professional standards. Clients based abroad:
– Must provide their current location and emergency contact during onboarding
– Consent to emergency contact being informed in the event of serious risk
– Understand we may not have access to local safeguarding authorities

We will take all reasonable steps to act in the client’s best interest, including referral to local services when available.

8. Training and Review

All therapists must complete safeguarding training (minimum Level 2) and refresh their knowledge regularly. This policy is reviewed annually or in line with updates to UK law.

Last updated: 09/05/2025
Next review: 09/05/2026

For safeguarding concerns or questions, contact:
Lee Freeman, leefreeman@adversitytostrength.com

Phone 07341982015

Legal Disclaimer

Adversity to Strength is a UK-based online therapy provider. We adhere to safeguarding obligations under UK law. In the event of a serious concern, confidentiality may be breached to ensure the safety of the client or others. International clients understand that services are delivered under UK standards and that we may be limited in actioning local interventions due to jurisdiction.