Support driven by experts
Safeguarding concerns at RMC are managed by dedicated the Safeguarding Manager, Demi, who oversees a group of highly trained designated safeguarding leads, based across our offices. Demi is motivated by “the opportunity to make a real difference to people’s safety and wellbeing. Every day is different, but knowing that our work helps protect individuals and empowers them to move forward keeps [her] motivated”.
Some people accessing RMC’s services may face additional risks or vulnerabilities due to their individual circumstances. This may include insecure immigration status, being homeless, suffering financial hardship due to no recourse to public funds (NRPF), or having experienced domestic violence.
Individuals identified as being at immediate or significant risk of harm will be prioritised, with RMC staff aiming to provide support on the same day wherever possible. This ensures that safeguarding concerns are responded to promptly and appropriate action is taken to reduce the risk of harm and support the individual’s safety and wellbeing.
Tailored support across the network
There are many reasons why a person may need emergency support, and safeguarding concerns can present in different ways depending on an individual’s circumstances. Every situation is unique, and RMC will deliver a tailored response that reflects the person’s individual circumstances and needs. For example, when assisting someone who is at risk of becoming homeless, presenting for support often within days or hours of having to leave their current accommodation, we will try to assess the situation as quickly as possible and find the most suitable accommodation option, refer them to relevant organisations, such as housing providers and departments of local authorities that work to prevent rough sleeping and work with them to find a long-term housing solution. RMC supports them through each stage of their journey, out of crisis and toward stability.
By working in partnership with local authorities, police, NHS services, a variety of housing providers, domestic abuse organisations, food banks and community groups to name a few, RMC is able to provide coordinated, timely and effective support. When one agency is unable to provide the level of support an individual requires, others can be drawn in to ensure that the person receives the care needed. For domestic abuse survivors, RMC will liaise with specialised support agencies who will provide a safe refuge to survivors, such as Women’s Aid. We may also need collaborate with the police and social care for further support and documentation in preparation for their Migrant Victims of Domestic Abuse Concession application, an application to the Home Office that removes the NRPF condition, ensuring survivors do not fall into destitution due to being financially reliant on their abuser.
Identifying risks
Safeguarding at RMC is not only about responding to individual concerns or situations of crisis. The Safeguarding Manager also monitors safeguarding information and emerging themes across the organisation. This helps RMC to identify recurring concerns, emerging risks and changing needs among the communities we serve. We can then use this information to review our services and practices, and work with other agencies to develop a better local response to the needs of theses vulnerable groups of people.
Raising awareness is also an important part of RMC’s work. Difficult circumstances can affect anyone, which is why recognising when someone may need support and ensuring they know where to turn for help is so important. We advocate in meetings, deliver safeguarding training to partners and local authority members, as well as share knowledge and good practice to help strengthen awareness and safeguarding across the communities we work with.
Despite growing demand for emergency support, RMC continues to provide personalised support to individuals in crisis through early intervention and strong partnership working. For the Safeguarding Manager, Demi, seeing the impact this support can have on individuals is an important part of the role: “the most rewarding part is seeing people move from crisis to stability and knowing they feel safer and more hopeful. Even small interventions can make a lasting difference”.
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