We are fully committed to the principles and practices of safeguarding and protection of all our students.
We take a whole-college approach to safeguarding. Each member of staff:
- is aware of our safeguarding policy
- is trained in the Prevent agenda yearly
- completes the Awareness of Safeguarding & Child Protection training on an annual basis
- works in accordance with Keeping Children Safe in Education
How to contact us
Outside of college hours
If you have a serious safeguarding concern about a child that is in an emergency situation, please call the police immediately on 999. If you have a serious concern about a child or young person that requires immediate attention, please get in touch with the relevant Safeguarding Hub.
Westmorland & Furness: 0300 373 2724
Cumberland: 0333 240 1727
Lancashire: 0300 123 6720 (0300 123 6722 if out of hours)
Report a concern
Safeguarding agencies
Mental health crisis and suicide support
- NHS 111
Call 111 and select option 2 for crisis response service - Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/
Call 116 123 – Whatever problems you are facing, Samaritans are there to listen 24/7 - Papyrus - https://www.papyrus-uk.org/papyrus-hopeline247/
0800 068 4141 – Support and advice for Young People under 35 24/7
Self Harm support
- Alumina - https://www.selfharm.co.uk/
Information, online support and Alumina, a 6-week online self-help course for 11-19s - Self-injury support - https://www.selfinjurysupport.org.uk/
Information and telephone, text and web chat support - SAFA - https://safa-selfharm.com/
Counselling and Information across Cumbria, with offices in Barrow and Kendal 01229 832269
Substance support
- FRANK - https://www.talktofrank.com/
Advice, information and support for anyone concerned about drugs and substance misuse. Helpline: 0300 123 6600 24/7 Text 82111 - Recovery Steps Cumbria - https://humankindcharity.org.uk/service/recovery-steps-cumbria
Drug and Alcohol Recovery Service across Cumbria, with local offices within Carlisle, Barrow-in-Furness, Workington, Whitehaven, Kendal and Penrith. - Red Rose Recovery - https://redroserecovery.org.uk/
Support service based in Lancashire
Abuse support
- Refuge - https://refuge.org.uk/
24 hour free national domestic abuse helpline 0808 2000 247 - Men's Advice Line - https://mensadviceline.org.uk/
Freephone support line for men affected by domestic abuse 0808 8010327 Mon-Fri 10am-5pm - Birchall Trust - https://www.birchalltrust.org.uk/
Offers support to those affected by rape and sexual abuse in South Cumbria and North Lancashire. 01229 820828 - Safenet - https://safenet.org.uk/
Services and information for those living in Lancashire affected by domestic abuse, 0300 3033 581 - Springfield - https://springfieldsupport.org/
Provides support for anyone affected by domestic abuse in South Lakeland 01539 720313
Parent Support
- Young Minds - https://www.youngminds.org.uk/parent/parents-helpline/
08080 802 5544 Advice to parents and carers worried about a child or young person under 25. Open Monday to Friday 9.30-4.00pm. - Family Lives - https://www.familylives.org.uk/how-we-can-help/confidential-helpline
0808 800 2222 A confidential and free* helpline service for families in England and Wales
College safeguarding staff
Designated Safeguarding Leads
Vickie Williamson
Safeguarding Manager
Sam Pollitt (Deputy DSL & Designated Teacher for Looked After Children)
Safeguarding Officers
Richard Evans (Deputy DSL)
Neal Banner
Hilary Pezet
Amanda Redmayne
Kirsty Wilson
Kate Birchall
