Welfare, Self-Care and Safeguarding

Annual Conference is a fantastic opportunity to take part in deciding the future direction of the Liberal Democrat Party. There are lots of events, exhibitions and fringe events to take part in. Whilst at conference all members should ensure that their behaviour meets the standards set out in the Safeguarding Code of Conduct at all times.

Below is some information you may want to take a look at, to help you join in and enjoy the event, along with details for a number of organisations if, for any reason, you wanted to make contact with them to seek support.

Self-Care

Many people already reading this will be familiar with their own coping-strategies, and below are some ideas which may be of use:

• Find quiet places to rest and recharge when necessary
• Use the breaks. Join in with as much as you want, but also use the breaks to refresh, get some fresh air or spend time doing something you find relaxing – Conference events can be exciting, engaging and stimulating, but they can also be tiring, so make sure you keep your own energy levels checked
• Take a pause – if you find aspects of Conference overwhelming then take time out and re-join when you feel ready
• We can’t always predict the different topics that any debate might cover, so if at any time, topics or subjects are discussed that you find upsetting, then remember to take a break, join a different debate and / or reach out for support from one of the organisations included on this webpage
• If you have come to Conference in a group, stay in touch with them and check in on each other regularly

Stewards & Safeguarding

Stewards will be working in each section of the venue and their role is to ensure the smooth running of Conference. Their role is not to resolve or manage any safeguarding issues themselves, but to escalate any safeguarding concerns directly to the relevant people / organisations during Conference.

Health Assured is an independent health and wellbeing provider that can offer wellbeing resources as well as a 24/7 365 helpline. All Liberal Democrat members have access to the Health Assured Support Helpline at 0800 028 0199.  Members should feel free to use this service as needed.

Or in an emergency, you should contact 101 or dial 999.

Each of the organisations below are free for anyone to access.

• MIND – The Mental Health Charity – lines are open 9am to 6pm, Monday to Friday (except for bank holidays). Call 0300 123 3393 email info@mind.org.uk or text: 86463 MIND also offer an online tool to support anyone experiencing mental health crisis https://www.mind.org.uk/need-urgent-help/using-this-tool/

• Samaritans – offer a safe place for anyone to talk any time they like, in their own way – about whatever’s getting to them. Telephone 116 123

• Citizens Advice – provide free, confidential and impartial advice. Their goal is to help everyone find a way forward, whatever problem they face. People go to the Citizens Advice Bureau with all sorts of issues. They may have money, benefit, housing or employment problems. They may be facing a crisis, or just considering their options. https://www.citizensadvice.org.uk/

• Victim Support – If you’ve been affected by crime, Victim Support can give you the support they need to move forward. Services are free, confidential and available to anyone in England and Wales, regardless of whether the crime has been reported to the Police or how long ago it happened. Supportline: 0808 168 9111

• The Survivors Trust – Rape and sexual abuse can happen to anyone regardless of their age, gender, race, religion, culture or social status. Living with the consequences of rape and sexual abuse can be devastating. The Survivors Trust believe that all survivors are entitled to receive the best possible response to their needs whether or not they choose to report. Helpline: 0808 801 0818

• Refuge: Refuge supports women and children who experience all forms of violence and abuse, including domestic violence, sexual violence, female genital mutilation, forced marriage, so-called ‘honour’-based violence, and human trafficking and modern slavery. Freephone 24-Hour National Domestic Violence Helpline: 0808 2000 247 https://www.refuge.org.uk/
• Tell Mama: report and seek advice and support in response to Anti-Muslim Hate or Islamophobia tellmamauk.org

• Disability Rights UK: provide online advice and information about equality, accessibility and the rights of disabled people in the UK https://www.disabilityrightsuk.org/

• Women’s Aid: a national charity working to support women and children impacted by domestic abuse, working to ensure women are believed, know that abuse is not their fault, and to ensure their experiences are understood. Their website holds a range of practical advice and information https://www.womensaid.org.uk/

• Stonewall: advice and support for individuals identifying at LGBTQ, online information and helpline details can be found at https://www.stonewall.org.uk/category/help-advice