ALTDAP LaunchPad · facilitator sheet
Track 08: Help-Seeking, Referral & Recovery Support
8 modules. In an emergency call 112.
Allow 30 to 45 minutes for each module, including the quiz.
Before the session
- Read the module yourself first, and do the quiz.
- Know who your school's safeguarding lead is, and how to reach them today.
- Have the emergency page ready. In an emergency the only number to call is 112.
- Decide where a learner can go if they need to step out. Never leave them alone if they are upset.
During the session
- Say at the start: nobody has to share anything personal, and anyone can pass on any question.
- Agree three rules: listen, no shaming or laughing at anyone, and what is said here about real people stays here, except where someone's safety is at risk.
- Use made-up examples. Do not ask learners for their own stories, or about anyone they know.
- The private tasks are the learner's own. Do not collect, mark or read them.
- Watch for a learner who goes quiet, withdraws or looks frightened. Check on them kindly, privately, after the session.
If a learner tells you something serious
- Stay calm and listen. Do not interrupt, and do not show shock.
- Do not promise to keep it secret. Say: "I am glad you told me. I need to get you the right help, so I will have to tell the person whose job is to keep children safe."
- Tell them it is not their fault, and that they were right to tell.
- Do not question them for details, do not ask leading questions, and do not confront anyone.
- Write down what they said, in their own words, as soon as you can, with the date and time. Do not add your opinion.
- Tell your safeguarding lead the same day. If a child is in danger now, call 112 and stay with them.
- If the person who may be harming them is the safeguarding lead, or someone you would normally tell, go to the head or proprietor, or another trusted adult in authority, and keep going until someone acts.
- Do not discuss it with colleagues or learners who do not need to know.
After the session
- Note anything that worried you, and tell your safeguarding lead, even if it seems small.
- Look after yourself. Hearing something serious is hard. Talk to your lead or a trusted colleague, without naming the child.
Never
- Never promise secrecy.
- Never blame a learner, or suggest they did something to cause it.
- Never ask a learner to share personal experiences, in front of the group or alone.
- Never investigate, confront the person, or contact the family yourself before your lead decides.
- Never photograph, audio-record or post anything about a learner's disclosure. Writing down what they said, for your safeguarding lead only, is right.
The modules
Module 1Why Asking for Help Is Strength
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- Everyone needs help
- What stops people asking
- The truth about stigma
- Early is easier
The one thing to leave them with: Asking for help is a strong, sensible step, and the earlier you ask, the easier it usually is.
Private task: Write down one thing that might stop you asking for help, and one reply to it that is true and kind. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 2Knowing When Help Is Needed
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- Signs you may need help
- Signs a friend may need help
- Not a diagnosis
- Act quickly when safety is at risk
The one thing to leave them with: You do not need to be sure. If you are worried about yourself or someone else, that is reason enough to ask for help.
Private task: List three signs that would tell you it is time to talk to someone, and who you would tell first. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 3Who Can Help, and What They Do
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- People close to you
- Health and care services
- Choosing a helper
- Local help
The one thing to leave them with: There is always someone who can help. If the first person cannot, ask another.
Private task: Write the names of two people or places near you that you could go to for help. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 4What Happens When You Ask for Help
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- Getting ready
- What a visit may look like
- Confidentiality and its limits
- Your rights
- If it does not go well
The one thing to leave them with: A good helper listens, explains, respects your privacy and keeps you safe, and you can always ask another if the first does not.
Private task: Write three questions you would ask at a first visit, such as what will happen and who will know. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 5Supporting a Friend Who Needs Help
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- When a friend tells you
- Do not promise to keep it secret
- What not to do
- Look after yourself too
The one thing to leave them with: Listen, care, and bring in an adult. You are not meant to carry it alone.
Private task: Write what you would say to a friend who tells you they are struggling, in your own words. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 6Emergencies: Acting Fast and Staying Safe
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- What counts as an emergency
- What to do
- What not to do
- Looking after yourself afterwards
The one thing to leave them with: In an emergency, call 112, stay with the person and do not wait. Saving a life matters more than fear of trouble.
Private task: Write what you would say when you call 112: where you are, what has happened and who is with you. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 7Understanding Recovery With Dignity
Covers
- What recovery is
- It takes time, and it is not a straight line
- Respectful words matter
- Myths and facts
- Professional help matters
The one thing to leave them with: Recovery is possible. It takes time and support, setbacks do not cancel progress, and every person deserves respect.
Private task: Write three respectful sentences you could say to or about someone who is getting better. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)
Module 8Supporting Recovery and Your Own Help Plan
Sensitive topic: be ready for a learner to tell you something
Covers
- What helps a person in recovery
- How you can help someone
- Your own help plan
The one thing to leave them with: Support, patience and respect help recovery. A plan, helpers and hope are always on your side.
Private task: Write your five-part plan and keep it safe. If you would like, share it with a trusted adult. (The learner keeps it. Do not collect or read it.)