Safeguarding

Safeguarding

At Bloomfield Health, safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility. We are committed to protecting the welfare, dignity, and human rights of all children, young people, and adults who use our services.

We recognise that people experiencing mental health difficulties, neurodevelopmental conditions, trauma, domestic abuse, exploitation, or social vulnerability may be at increased risk of harm, abuse, neglect, coercion, or exploitation. We are committed to identifying concerns early and responding appropriately, compassionately, and safely.

Our safeguarding commitments


Bloomfield Health is committed to:

• protecting children, young people, and adults at risk from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and harm;
• maintaining a safe clinical environment for patients, carers, visitors, and staff;
• responding promptly to safeguarding concerns;
• working collaboratively with local authorities, NHS services, police, and safeguarding partners where required;
• ensuring staff receive appropriate safeguarding training;
• respecting confidentiality while recognising circumstances where information must be shared to protect safety;
• making safeguarding personal by listening to the wishes and experiences of the individual wherever possible.

Our safeguarding commitments


Safeguarding concerns may include:

• physical abuse
• emotional or psychological abuse
• sexual abuse or exploitation
• domestic abuse or coercive control
• neglect or self-neglect
• financial abuse
• online exploitation
• radicalisation or extremism
• modern slavery or trafficking
• abuse related to disability, autism, gender identity, sexuality, race, religion, or culture

We recognise that autistic and neurodivergent individuals may communicate distress differently and may become vulnerable during periods of burnout, major transitions, crisis, or social isolation.

Children and young people

Although Bloomfield Health primarily provides services for adults, we recognise our duty to safeguard children and young people.

Where concerns arise regarding a child’s welfare or safety, we may need to share information with children’s social care services, safeguarding teams, or the police in order to protect the child.

Domestic abuse and sexual violence

We understand that domestic abuse and sexual violence can significantly affect mental health and wellbeing.

If a patient discloses domestic abuse, stalking, coercive control, sexual assault, or exploitation, our clinicians will work sensitively to:

• assess immediate safety,
• discuss support options,
• help develop a safety plan where appropriate,
• facilitate referral to specialist services if needed.

In situations involving immediate danger, we may contact emergency services.

Confidentiality and information sharing

We respect patient confidentiality. However, there are situations where we may need to share information without consent if:

• someone is at immediate risk of serious harm,
• a child is at risk,
• there is a significant public protection concern,
• required by law or safeguarding duties.

Any decision to share information is made carefully and proportionately in accordance with safeguarding and data protection law.

Designated safeguarding leads

Bloomfield Health has designated safeguarding leadership and specialist safeguarding support within the organisation.

Safeguarding contact

Email: safeguarding@bloomfieldhealth.com

Medical Director

Professor Michael Bloomfield

Director of Psychology

Dr David Hambrook

Practice Manager

Amy Alder

Immediate danger

If someone is in immediate danger or at risk of serious harm:

• Call 999
• Contact your local emergency services
• Attend your nearest Accident & Emergency department if urgent medical help is required

Further support

National Domestic Abuse Helpline

0808 2000 247

Samaritans

116 123

NSPCC

0808 800 5000

Rape Crisis

0808 802 9999

Police (non-emergency)

101

Bloomfield Health safeguarding procedures are reviewed regularly as part of our clinical governance framework. Our safeguarding policy is reviewed annually and reflects current legal and professional guidance.