Highlights from our library (6)
Today, we’re celebrating another milestone in the growth of our free online library, now featuring over 1,250 useful links across more than 20 safeguarding themes. Our aim is to make relevant, up-to-date information easy to access for anyone working to protect children and adults.
A huge thank you to everyone who has suggested resources so far – please do keep your recommendations coming. Here are three highlights we’d like to share this week:
1️⃣ Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency – BBC Three (16 March 2021)
This powerful documentary tackles the devastating issue of suicide among young men. Motivated by the loss of a close friend, Roman Kemp explores the mental health crisis and shines a light on the silent struggles faced by so many.
Mental health is deeply personal to me. Over the years, I’ve faced my own battles and, at times, come dangerously close to believing there was no way forward. That experience taught me that suicidal thoughts are rarely selfish. Instead, many feel they are a burden to others and convince themselves that their loved ones would be better off without them.
The key message I take from Roman’s film is simple but vital: check in on your friends. Ask, “Are you OK?” – and then ask again. That second question can open the door to honesty when the first is met with the automatic “I’m fine.”
No matter how dark life feels, there are always people who care, who would miss you, and who love you. Let’s make it normal to reach out, to ask, and to support each other.
2️⃣ A 10-Step Guide to Sharing Information to Safeguard Children – ICO
Professionals sometimes worry that data protection prevents them from sharing concerns. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) sets out clear guidance to reassure us that safeguarding always comes first.
The ICO’s 10 steps emphasise that sharing information should be purposeful, accurate, proportionate, and timely – and that records should be kept. When in doubt, seek advice, but never delay urgent action. Collaboration with other agencies is key, and reflecting on practice ensures continual improvement.
The takeaway? Don’t be afraid to share information when a child’s welfare is at risk – data protection law supports safeguarding.
3️⃣ Prisoners Abroad
Prisoners Abroad is a UK charity that provides life-saving humanitarian support to British citizens imprisoned overseas, their families, and those returning to the UK after release.
The organisation tackles harsh realities faced by prisoners abroad – overcrowded cells, poor sanitation, lack of medical care, and isolation. It provides survival grants, medical items, and vital information to protect health and dignity.
Families are not forgotten. Prisoners Abroad supports relatives in the UK with advice, peer groups, and emotional support to help them cope with stigma and uncertainty. For those returning home, resettlement services assist with housing, healthcare, and reintegration – reducing the risk of homelessness and re-offending.
At its heart, the charity champions human rights, filling a unique gap for British citizens caught in the complexities of international justice.
Explore More Resources
🔗 Browse the full Resource Library, organised by topic:
Roman Kemp: Our Silent Emergency → Self-harm and Suicide
ICO’s 10-Step Guide → Data Protection, Reporting and Recording Information
Prisoners Abroad → Criminal Justice, Law and Prison(ers)
💡 Know a valuable resource? We’d love to hear from you – share your suggestions and help us keep the library growing.
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