Safeguarding statement
Frontstep Manchester is committed to preventing abuse, neglect and exploitation and responding appropriately when concerns arise.
1. If someone is in immediate danger
This website and Frontstep’s general email account are not monitored continuously and must not be used as emergency-reporting channels.
For a non-emergency police matter, call 101. If urgent medical advice is needed but the situation is not life-threatening, use NHS 111.
2. Our safeguarding commitment
We recognise that homelessness, poor health, isolation, abuse, exploitation and financial hardship can increase vulnerability. We aim to create services and relationships in which people are listened to, treated with respect and supported to make informed choices wherever possible.
Our approach reflects the adult safeguarding framework in the Care and Support Statutory Guidance, including prevention, proportionality, protection, partnership, accountability and empowerment.
3. What may be a safeguarding concern
A concern may involve physical, sexual, psychological or domestic abuse; neglect or self-neglect; financial or material abuse; discriminatory abuse; organisational abuse; modern slavery, trafficking or exploitation; coercive control; harassment; or any situation where a child or adult may be at risk of harm.
You do not need proof before reporting a genuine concern. Share what you have seen, heard or been told as accurately as possible.
4. How Frontstep responds
When a concern is raised, Frontstep will:
- listen and take the concern seriously;
- consider immediate safety and emergency action;
- record relevant facts accurately and securely;
- involve the person in decisions wherever possible;
- share information only where necessary, proportionate and lawful;
- refer to Manchester City Council, the police, health services or another appropriate safeguarding body when required; and
- support staff, volunteers and partners to follow safeguarding procedures.
We cannot promise complete confidentiality where someone may be at risk. We will explain information sharing wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so.
5. Report a concern to Frontstep
For a non-emergency safeguarding concern connected with Frontstep Manchester, contact the management team:
Telephone: +44 7746 210235
Email: admin@frontstep.org.uk
Use the subject line “Safeguarding concern”. Include only the information necessary to explain what has happened and how we can contact you safely.
6. Homelessness and local help
If you are homeless or may lose your home, use Manchester City Council’s homelessness help service. If you are concerned about someone sleeping rough, you can use the council’s StreetLink information.
Frontstep’s website provides a route to our team but does not replace emergency, statutory safeguarding or council homelessness services.