Calderdale Safeguarding Partnership provide Zoom training for volunteers

Around 150 volunteers have received safeguarding training, in order to support vulnerable people during the coronavirus crisis.
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Local volunteers have served as a lifeline for many isolated and vulnerable people in our community, from delivering groceries and prescriptions to being a friendly face to talk to during these difficult times.

Calderdale Safeguarding Partnerships have made sure that volunteers are equipped with the knowledge they need in order to keep residents safe during lockdown. The partnerships have delivered three training sessions on Zoom for volunteers, covering what safeguarding issues are, the warning signs to look out for, the importance of speaking up and how to report concerns. Volunteers also have ongoing access to safeguarding awareness training through e-learning and supporting materials

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Coun Tim Swift, Calderdale Council’s Leader, said: “I’m really pleased that the training sessions have had such a good take-up. Our volunteers are in touch with residents across the borough every day, and thanks to the training, they know what to do if they see or hear something that doesn’t seem right.”

CounTim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council. Photo by Jonathan Gawthorpe.CounTim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council. Photo by Jonathan Gawthorpe.
CounTim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council. Photo by Jonathan Gawthorpe.

The council will also give a special thank you to the volunteers during 'National Volunteer Week' (June 1-7).

The training comes as a new regional scheme that has been launched to help families who are having relationship difficulties.

‘Relationship Matters’ is a new partnership between Calderdale Council and 14 other local authorities across Yorkshire and the Humber to support families.

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The partnership has launched a website giving information and tips to stay calm, work out what needs to happen and recognise the signs of conflict affecting individuals and their loved ones. It also gives advice on how to get further support. Visit www.relationshipmatters.org.uk.

Coun Swift said: “Research shows that regular conflict can have a big impact on individuals, their relationships with loved ones and their children. I urge anyone who is struggling to get support.”

Relationship Matters focuses on relationships where the situation is mostly respectful, equal and cooperative, but where there are some difficulties.

If you are concerned about controlling / coercive behaviour, violence or fear (domestic abuse) and need non-emergency advice, you can contact Calderdale Staying Safe confidentially on 01422 323339 for emotional and practical support, or visit www.calderdalestayingsafe.org.uk If you are in immediate danger, call 999 and ask for the Police. If you are in danger and unable to talk, call 999 from a mobile, wait, then press 55.

For up-to-date and reliable information about COVID-19, visit: