Strut Safe is a UK-wide phone line. If you're walking alone, our volunteers will be a friendly voice to keep you company and help you feel safe until you are through the door.
Strut Safe is proud to be the winner of the 2023 Young Scot Community Award.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Strut Safe is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental support line. We will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from.We stand in solidarity with marginalised people and are unaligned with the police. We provide kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels.
Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK and are almost always free, as they are included in phone packages with free minutes. If you do not have inclusive minutes, calls will be at the standard 03 rate for your mobile contract.When you call Strut Safe, our automated system will transfer you to an available volunteer. Our volunteer will ask your name and location, then chat to you about whatever you want until you are safely through the door.All of our volunteers go through a thorough interview and training process and they all hold valid Disclosure and Barring Service certificates.If no volunteers are available when you call, you can choose to either leave a message or to hear a list of other phone lines that are open.
Who can call Strut Safe?
Anyone can call Strut Safe! We do not require any personal information from our callers. Our Call Handlers may direct younger callers toward services specifically suited for people under 18.When is it appropriate to call?
Our service is intended for anyone concerned about making their journeys alone. Our Call Handlers are there to keep you company while you’re travelling from one point to another. If there is an emergency, please contact emergency services on 999.Is it free to call?
Calls to Strut Safe can be made from anywhere in the UK and are almost always free, as they are included in phone packages with free minutes. If you do not have inclusive minutes, calls will be at the standard 03 rate for your mobile contract.Will you ever expand your opening hours?
We are currently working towards opening the phone line on more days of the week. For updates, please check back with our website and follow us on social media.How do I get involved?
Strut Safe will post to our social media and update this page whenever we are recruiting for new volunteers. You can also donate to Strut Safe by clicking here. Donations help to cover the cost of the phone line and the infrastructure that keeps Strut Safe running.What should I do if you’re closed?
If there is an emergency, please contact emergency services via 999. You can also find a list of alternative phone lines and resources by clicking here.How can my organisation partner with Strut Safe?
If you are interested in partnering with us, please email us and our Outreach Team will be in touch!
Rho Chung - they/them - Director of Communications
Oversees all external engagement and internal communicationsRho is a writer, director, and academic hailing from the United States, though they have called Edinburgh home since 2017.They work as a section editor with The Skinny, and they have also worked with Some Kind of Theatre, Fringe of Colour, The Show Must Go Online, the Edinburgh Early Modern Network, and the London Shakespeare Centre.Rho recently completed their PhD, which focuses on the depiction of gendered violence in genderqueer Shakespeare productions. They hope to gear their work towards a more liberated future.
Katarina Slater - she/her - Director of Service Operations
Oversees the operation of the Strut Safe phone lineBased in London, Katarina has been volunteering for Strut Safe since 2022. Alongside Strut Safe, she works for an academic journal and is a DJ.With a degree in Physical Geography, her background in glaciology and climate change drives her to be an advocate for a more sustainable future. She hopes to one day see in person the Icelandic glacier she wrote about for her dissertation.She is passionate about ending all forms of gendered violence and believes every voice should be heard. Strut Safe’s work is integral to this by providing people with a voice of comfort at the other end of the phone when they feel at their most vulnerable.
Michelle Kelly - she/her - Director of Strategy
Oversees all strategic direction and planningMichelle is an actor and singer based in Yorkshire. She performs in plays, audio dramas, films and in sensory theatre shows for audiences with Profound and Multiple Learning Disabilities.She is passionate about intersectional feminism, amplifying the voices of queer, disabled and global majority people in all areas of life, and well-organised spreadsheets.When she is not working she can usually be found petting one of her two beloved greyhounds.
Diar Davey-Rogerson - he/they - Director of Personnel and Finance
Oversees the finances, people, policies and systemsDiar is from and lives in Yorkshire, and they are a Recruitment Manager at the University of York.They’re an advocate for greater accessibility in all spaces, as well as increasing the availability of teaching and learning resources. They’re a singer, performance coach and burgeoning choir director.They like animals, games, and music that many people would consider unlistenable.
Levi Mitchell - he/they - Director without Portfolio
Provides consultation to the leadership team as requiredLevi is from a town called Kingussie, now living in Glasgow.He’s a union organiser for Living Rent, Scotland’s tenants’ and community union. They’re a tenured transgender. He studied history and swayed the Marxist way. He hates bureaucracy. He spends his days building working-class power.He is passionate about direct action and care as an answer to oppression, and believes Strut Safe’s greatest strength is the kindness of everyone involved.When they can catch a break, Levi loves tending to his plants and life partner.
Kimberley Nicol - she/her - Head of Fundraising
Responsible for the fundraising team and fundraising activityKimberley is originally from Glasgow and now lives and works in Edinburgh City. She has volunteered in the third sector for 4 years holding various roles in marketing, events, and sponsorship as well as coordinating.A supporter of Strut Safe since its inception, she was like many others deeply impacted by the murder of Sarah Everard and all that it represented. She is extremely passionate about eliminating gender based violence, supporting marginalised groups within society and above all creating safe environments for all.She believes everyone has the right to feel safe 100% of the time and loves being able to support Strut Safe in doing their part towards this goal!
Katie Leeming - she/her - Head of Outreach (Media and Creative Content)
Responsible for all social media, publicity materials and graphic designKatie is originally from Carlisle but now lives in Edinburgh. Having focused on feminism and the intersections of prejudice through most of her degree, she is honoured to be a part of Strut Safe.A strong advocate for female and queer autonomy, Strut Safe holds a key place in her heart as a service that allows this to thrive without fear of judgment.When she isn’t creating social media content and memes, she enjoys programming little games on her computer and cooking.
Laur Convery - she/her - Head of Outreach (Partnerships and Events)
Responsible for the outreach team and brand and festival collaborationsOriginally from Newcastle, Laur moved to London and began her career as a marketeer for a well-known coconut rum brand.Laur believes gender should not hold you back, which drives her passion for challenging both conscious and unconscious biases in the workplace through her role on the Diversity & Inclusion panel at her global FMCG employer. She was shortlisted as a Woman Of The Future in 2022.A proud auntie to 1 year old Jasmine, Laur wants to make sure younger girls have positive, compassionate and strong role models to look up to so they know anything is possible.
Aysha Bugel - she/her - Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Responsible for the safeguarding and wellbeing team and their activityAysha is originally from Bucks and is now currently based in Suffolk. She works as a practitioner facilitating bespoke behaviour change interventions.She has a degree in Psychology and Criminology and is partway through studying postgraduate Person-Centred Counselling. Her background reflects her drive to reduce crime and gender-based violence, wanting those impacted to have the support they deserve and for everyone to feel safe.Loving travelling and exploring other cultures, she spent several years living, teaching and volunteering overseas and is constantly daydreaming about where next!
Caragh Campbell - she/her - Head of Service Provision
Responsible for the service provision team and their activityCaragh is from and lives in Scotland and is a Management Personal Assistant within her local hospital.She joined Strut Safe after her oldest daughter moved away for uni and signed up as a call handler to be that voice on the phone to help callers get home safely. She loves attending events for Strut Safe and spreading the word about what we do.You can usually find her at the theatre as she is a huge musical fan, or reading a good book and drinking hot chocolate.
Alongside our Leadership Team, Strut Safe has over 70 additional dedicated volunteers who help with recruitment, training, outreach, fundraising, and of course answering your calls.
Alex - she/her
Finance Manager
Jake - he/him
Technology Manager
Bhav - she/her
Fundraising Team
Joëlle - she/her
Fundraising Team
Miri - she/her
Fundraising Team
Olivia - she/her
Fundraising Team
Brooke - she/her
Outreach Team
Eleanor - she/her
Outreach Team
Heather - she/her
Outreach Team
Gracie - she/her
Outreach Team
Katy - she/her
Outreach Team
Nia - she/her
Recruitment Team
Maria - she/her
Recruitment Team
Lynne - she/her
Service Provision Team
Sarah - any pronouns
Service Provision Team
Alexa - she/her
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Laura - she/her
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Rachel - she/her
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Sarah - she/her
Safeguarding & Wellbeing
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Thank you for supporting Strut Safe. The helpline costs £700 per month to run and we rely on donations to keep answering your calls.
Your donations help fund:
Our call forwarding service, which allows our call handlers to take your calls from anywhere in the country
Our secure online systems, which allow our administrative volunteers to work remotely at times that suit them
Printing of posters and other materials to help spread awareness of Strut Safe
Travel costs for volunteers representing us at Pride celebrations, music festivals and community events
DBS background checks on every Strut Safe volunteer
If you're not in a position to support us finanically, you can still help us out!
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Thank you for your interest in volunteering with us!
Applications for volunteers are currently closed.If you are interested in volunteering for us, feel free to email us with information about how you are interested in helping us and any relevant experience and we will get back to you.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
- Code of Conduct
- Email Policy
- Emergency Policy
- Equal Opportunities Statement
- Grievance Policy
- Health and Safety Policy
- Privacy Statement
- Safeguarding Policy
- Zero Tolerance Policy
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Mental HealthSamaritans
116 123 (free, open 24/7)
samaritans.org
Samaritans are open for anyone who needs to talk. You can visit some Samaritans branches in person.Shout
Text SHOUT to 85258 (free, 24/7)
giveusashout.org
Text-based mental health support from anywhere in the UK.Papyrus HOPELINE
0800 068 4141 (24/7)
Email pat@papyrus-uk.org
Text 88247
papyrus-uk.org
If you're under 35 and struggling with suicidal feelings, or concerned about a young person who might be struggling, you can call Papyrus.National Suicide Prevention Helpline UK
0800 689 5652 (6pm-midnight every day)
spuk.org.uk
Offers a supportive listening service to anyone with thoughts of suicide.SANEline
0300 304 7000 (4pm–10pm every day)
sane.org.uk
If you're experiencing a mental health problem or supporting someone else, you can call SANEline.Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM)
0800 58 58 58 (5pm–midnight every day)
thecalmzone.net
Offers mental health support and advice for supporting friends. Also has a web chat, open same hours as the phone line.
Survivors of Sexual AssaultRape Crisis
0808 500 2222 (free, 24/7)
247sexualabusesupport.org.uk
Specialist rape and sexual abuse support line. Also offers 24/7 web chat.Rape Crisis Scotland
08088 01 03 02 (free, 5pm-midnight every day)
07537 410 027 (text line)
rapecrisisscotland.org.uk
Support line for people of all genders aged 13+ who have been affected by sexual violence. Also has a web chat.Supportline
01708 765200 (6pm-8pm Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday)
info@supportline.org.uk
supportline.co.uk
Specialises in providing emotional support for adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse and anyone who has been sexually assaulted. Also operates an email support service open every day, charity aims to respond within 48 hours.
Survivors of AbuseNational Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 (free, open 24/7)
nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Free 24-hour helpline for women who have experienced domestic abuse and violence, with all female advisors. Also offers a live chat and can help to find refuge accommodation. Run by the domestic violence charity Refuge.Scotland's Domestic Abuse and Forced Marriage Helpline
0800 027 1234 (open 24/7)
07401 288595 (whatsapp/text 24/7)
helpline@sdafmh.org.uk
sdafmh.org.uk
Support for anyone in Scotland with experience of domestic abuse or forced marriage, as well as their family members, friends, colleagues, and professionals who support them. Also has a webchat.Respond
0207 383 0700 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
respond.org.uk
Services for people with a learning disability, autism or both, who have experienced abuse or trauma.Sistah Space
020 7846 8350 (11am-5pm Monday-Friday)
support@sistahspace.org
sistahspace.org
A specialist charity that supports African and Caribbean heritage women affected by domestic and sexual abuse UK wide.Findaway
0300 140 0061 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
wefindaway.org.uk
Advice and support for anyone who is worried that someone they know is being controlled, scared or hurt by a partner, ex-partner or family member.
People Affected by CrimeVictim Support
0808 168 9111 (free, open 24/7)
victimsupport.org.uk
Provides emotional and practical support for people affected by crime and traumatic events. Also has a webchat.Victim Support Scotland
0800 160 1985 (free, 8am-8pm Mon-Fri, 9am-1pm Sat)
victimsupport.scot
Support victims of crime, witnesses and their family members, regardless of who they are and their circumstances. Also has a webchat.
Grief and BereavementCruse Bereavement Support
0808 808 1677 (free, 9.30am-5pm Mon, Wed, Thurs, Fri, 1pm-8pm Tues)
cruse.org.uk
Provides support no matter how long you've been grieving. Also has local support services.Cruse Scotland Bereavement Support
0808 802 6161 (free, 9am-8pm Mon-Fri, 10am-2pm Sat-Sun)
crusescotland.org.uk
Compassionate bereavement support in Scotland. Also offers webchat Mon-Fri 9am-9pm.Marie Curie Telephone Bereavement Support Service
0800 090 2309 (free, 8am-6pm Mon-Fri, 10am-4pm Sat-Sun)
mariecurie.org.uk
Call the support line above to book up to 6 free 45-min support sessions with a bereavement volunteer. Suitable for people who are grieving after someone has died from a terminal illness.Winston's Wish
08088 020 021 (free, 8am-8pm Mon-Fri)
winstonswish.org
Grief support for young people under age 25. Also offers live webchat.
Black and MinoritisedRoshni
0800 953 9777 (multi-lingual, open 24/7)
roshnibirmingham.org.uk
Helpline for people from Black and Minoritised communities experiencing honour-based violence, forced marriage, rape or sexual assault. Also offers services for survivors of domestic abuse, honour-based violence, forced marriage, rape, sexual assault or FGM in the West Midlands.Southall Black Sisters
0208 571 9595 (9am-5pm Monday, Wednesday, Friday)
southallblacksisters.org.uk
Information, advice, advocacy, practical help, counselling and support to Black and minoritised women and children who have experienced domestic and sexual violence and/or forced marriage. Offers telephone services in multiple languages. Phone line operates nationally and can refer to services outside of London. Forced marriage casework is taken on nationally.The Black, African and Asian Therapy Network
baatn.org.uk
Directory of counsellors and psychotherapists of Black, African, Asian and Caribbean heritage in the UK.
Muslim FaithMuslim Community Helpline
0208 908 6715 or 0208 904 8193 (Mon 10am-3pm, Tues-Thurs 10am-1pm, Fri 10am-pm)
muslimcommunityhelpline.org.uk
Confidential, non-judgemental listening and support service. Languages: Arabic Monday mornings. Urdi, Punjabi, Gujrati and English Mon-Thurs. English Fridays.Muslim Women's Network
0800 999 5786 (Mon-Fri 10am-4pm)
mwnhelpline.co.uk
Culturally and faith-sensitive support, guidance, information, counselling and referrals. Also offer in-depth longer-yerm support via case-workers. Webchat and text info on website.Muslim Youth Helpline
0808 808 2008 (Every day, 4pm-10pm)
myh.org.uk
Non-judgemental, non-directive support. Targeted at people under 30 but people of all ages are welcome to call. Also offers online chat via website.
Refugees and Asylum SeekersMigrant Help Asylum Helpline
0808 8010 503 (free, 24/7, 365 days a year)
migranthelpuk.org
Independent advice and guidance to assist asylum seekers in the UK in moving through and understanding the asylum process. Available in a range of languages and can signpost to local services. Also has a webchat via website.Citizen's Advice Legal Adviceline
0800 144 8848 (England, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
0800 702 2020 (Wales, Mon-Fri 9am-5pm)
citizensadvice.org.uk
Legal advice and support finding legal representation across a broad range of issues, including immigration and asylum claims.Bail for Immigration Detainees Advice Line
020 7456 9750 (Mon-Thurs, 10am-12noon)
casework@biduk.org
www.biduk.org
Free legal advice, information and representation for people detained under immigration powers in a prison or removal centre.
LGBTQIA+Galop
0800 999 5428 (free, 10am-8.30pm Monday-Thursday, 10am-4.30pm Fridays)
help@galop.org.uk
galop.org.uk
Provides support for LGBT+ adults and young people who have experienced hate crime, sexual violence or domestic abuse. Also has a web chat.Switchboard
0300 330 0630 (10am–10pm every day)
switchboard.lgbt
A listening service to discuss anything, including sexuality, gender identity, sexual health and emotional wellbeing. Phone operators all identify as LGBT+. Also has a web chat from 5pm.Gendered Intelligence Support Line
0800 640 8046 (12-5pm Mon & Thurs, 2-7pm Tues, 10am-3pm Wed & Fri)
Email: supportline@genderedinteligence.co.uk
Whatsapp chat: 07592 650 496
genderedintelligence.co.uk
Support, information and advice for transgender people over 18 accessing or awaiting NHS gender care. All helpline staff are trans or non-binary.
Learning DisabledMencap
0808 808 1111 (free, 10am-3pm Monday-Friday)
mencap.org.uk
Information and advice for people with a learning disability, their families and carers. Services include an online community.
YouthThe Mix
0808 808 4994 (free, 4pm–11pm Monday-Saturday)
themix.org.uk
For people aged 11-25. For Crisis support, text THEMIX to 85258. You can also request support by email using the form on the website.Nightline
nightline.ac.uk
If you're a student, you can look on the Nightline website to see if your university or college offers a night-time listening service. Nightline phone operators are all students too.Childline
0800 1111 (free, 24/7)
childline.org.uk
Support line for anyone under the age of 19 in the UK to discuss anything that's bothering you. Also offers 24/7 web chat, and a video service to chat using a BSL interpreter 8am-8pm Monday-Friday and 8am-1pm Saturdays.
WalesC.A.L.L.
callhelpline.org.uk
0800 132 737 (free, open 24/7)
If you live in Wales, you can call the Community Advice and Listening Line (C.A.L.L.) or you can text 'help' followed by a question to 81066.Samaritans
0808 164 0123 (Welsh Language Line, 7pm–11pm every day)
samaritans.org/samaritans-cymru
Samaritans also have a letter-writing service in Welsh.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Contact Us
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
About Strut Safe
Strut Safe operates a UK-wide phone line for those out alone at night. The phone line is open Fridays and Saturdays from 7pm to 3am and Sundays from 7pm to 1am.
Mission Statement
Strut Safe is a volunteer-operated and non-judgemental support line. We will stay on the phone with you until you arrive safely at your destination, no matter where you are going or where you have come from.We stand in solidarity with marginalised people and are unaligned with the police. We provide kindness and reassurance to anyone who needs it during their travels.
Notes for Editors
Email Strut Safe
Strut Safe’s Website
Strut Safe’s Instagram
Images
Strut Safe Logo design by Rho Chung and Katie Leeming
Strut Safe Horizontal Graphic design by Katie Leeming
Strut Safe AGM 2024 Group Photo Left to Right: Rho Chung, Levi Mitchell, Diar Davey-Rogerson, Michelle Kelly, Heather Bain, Katarina Slater, Kimberley Nicol, Katie LeemingDirector of Communications Rho Chung
Director of Service Provision Katarina Slater
Director of Strategy Michelle Kelly
Director of Personnel and Finance Diar Davey-Rogerson
Director without Portfolio Levi Mitchell
Press Release Archive
18 October 2024 - Strut Safe and MAAREE Team Up to Tackle Female Runner Safety as Clocks Change
2nd May 2023 - Strut Safe Co-founder Alice Jackson Departs Role
20th June 2022 - Strut Safe Ends Walking Service
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
All Strut Safe Volunteers sign and adhere to the below Code of Conduct. The Code of Conduct is designed to keep our volunteers and users safe and to keep our service consistent.
Volunteers must be familiar with all of Strut Safe’s policies and training before taking any shifts. Volunteers must act in accordance with Strut Safe’s policies at all times.
As a volunteer, we expect you to respect all those you are working with. The safety and comfort of both our volunteers and users is of utmost importance to us. We have a Zero Tolerance Policy for any kind of sexism, racism, homophobia, transphobia or ableism. No harassment or bullying of any kind will be tolerated, and it will result in immediate dismissal and potentially, further action.
Volunteers must respect the confidentiality of all service users. Do not share any details disclosed by a service user to anyone outside of the organisation. In cases of an emergency or safeguarding concern, personally identifying details must be handled according to the relevant policies.
Volunteers must be sensible about the use of social media. Never post any information about conversions you’ve had with a service user online - not even oblique references. Even sharing details that you think are benign or not very personal could feel like a breach of trust and confidentiality to a service user. Similarly, do not post the names or any images of fellow volunteers online without their express permission.
Do not make any romantic or sexual advances towards any of your fellow volunteers or the organisation’s service users.
Strut Safe is a one-way phone line. Do not ever contact a service user directly via text or phone, or attempt to return a call during a call handling shift.
Do not accept any money or gifts of any kind from service users.
It is strictly prohibited for you to attend any volunteer shift while intoxicated with alcohol or any legal or illegal drugs/substances. You also may not drink or take substances during your shift. Doing so will result in immediate dismissal. If your circumstances have changed and you will not be able to make your shift sober or believe you will not be able to remain sober during your shift, then your designated point of contact know via Slack immediately.
Last reviewed May 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
All Strut Safe volunteers sign to agree to the below Zero Tolerance Policy:
Members of Strut Safe are expected to conduct themselves in an orderly manner, and show respect to all other volunteers and service users.
Strut Safe will tolerate absolutely zero discrimination based on a person’s social background, including but not limited to their: gender identity; age; race; sex; skin colour; nationality; culture; religious beliefs; socio-economic background; physical ability; sexual orientation; and/or family situation.
If a volunteer violates the above guidelines, the Directors shall have the right to bar the volunteer from participating in Strut Safe, either for a prescribed period of time or indefinitely, depending on the severity of the violation.
The Directors and/or Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing have the right to remove any comments deemed inappropriate or discriminatory from our internal messaging systems.
The Outreach Team have the right to decide to block any volunteer or external person who publishes harassment, spam, offensive or indecent posts on Strut Safe's public social media forums.
We maintain that some comments (e.g. threats of violence and other attacks on the safety and wellbeing of a service user or Strut Safe volunteer) are unacceptable, and if such comments are made that person will be banned from volunteering for Strut Safe in any capacity.
Strut Safe also reserves the right to refuse a volunteer role to a person who has been known to have violated our Zero Tolerance Policy outside of Strut Safe activities and whom we have reason to believe would continue to do so within the organisation.
We prioritise the needs of people who have experienced oppression and provide them with a space in which they can feel safe and their voices can be heard. Aggressive behaviour is not conducive to this, and airing belittling views or impinging on another's right to speak will not be tolerated.
In the event that a service user is disrespectful or harmful to a volunteer, Strut Safe reserves the right to ban that user and refuse them future service. The Strut Safe Directors may pursue a more formal action against any service user who harms a Strut Safe volunteer.
The Zero Tolerance policy will be in force in each activity undertaken by Strut Safe. Should a problem arise during an excursion, at an event or in any online spaces facilitated by Strut Safe, the Directors should be made aware and will discuss the problem, and in some cases, someone may be asked to leave. It is the responsibility of the Directors and all volunteers to uphold the Zero Tolerance Policy.
If the need arises, you may raise a concern or comment as per the Complaint, Grievance and Whistleblowing Policy.
Last reviewed May 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
PRIVACY STATEMENTInformation shared with Strut Safe via our Contact form will be kept private and used only for relevant purposes.
GDPR STATEMENTThe Strut Safe phone line systems are designed so that Call Handlers have no record of service user contact details. Call Handlers record the date, time and duration of every call. Call handlers may ask and record if provided: the first name of the caller, the location of the caller, the caller’s point of origin, the caller’s destination, and how the caller heard about the service. This information is not identifiable and is stored in a secure system that can only be accessed by the Service Provision Team.Service user phone numbers are stored in a central system for a period of time. This information is held securely via a third party and can only be accessed by the Director of Service Provision under very specific circumstances. In order to prevent inappropriate use of the service, we may use a phone number held in this manner to prevent use of the service.Information on our volunteers, such as names, emails, phone numbers, and DBS checks and signed Code of Conducts, are held on a secure IT system that can only be accessed by the Director of Personnel and Finance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
The Strut Safe Leadership Team are committed to the below email policy:
The Strut Safe inbox operates as inbox zero.
All emails must be flagged with at least a Leadership Team member label within 48 hours of receipt.
Leadership Team are responsible for flagging their own emails.
All emails must be actioned and then removed from the inbox within five working days of receipt.
If an email needs to be kept beyond that time, it must be either archived in the relevant folder, or placed in the Leadership Team folders for safe-keeping.
If an email cannot be actioned within five working days, a holding email must be sent and the email must be discussed at the next Leadership Team meeting.
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Safeguarding refers to the process of preventing harm, providing protection, and safe, effective
care.We offer a confidential service and we don’t require people to disclose personal information in
order to use our service. However, we may seek information in order to take action if we feel
that there is a safeguarding concern.Strut Safe takes confidentiality very seriously and will only consider speaking to someone else if
there is a serious concern about what we have been told and we believe by making a referral we
can prevent harm.Strut Safe’s service is not designed for children (someone under 18 years of age), however, the
nature of a public phone line means that we may receive calls from children.If a Call Handler has reason to believe that they are speaking to a child on a call, they are to
direct the caller to more age-appropriate phone lines (as presented in our resources section) and
encourage them to call these instead.A Call Handler must inform a caller that they intend to share what has been said with someone
else in order to keep the caller safe if:● They have reason to believe that they are speaking to a child on a call and have received
a disclosure that indicates that the child is suffering or will suffer harm
● They have reason to believe that they are speaking to an adult at risk who lacks the
capacity to make their own decisions at that time
● They receive information that identifies a child or adult at risk who is suffering abuse or
harmOur Call Handlers assume a person has capacity to make decisions unless there is evidence
otherwise, and take steps to maximise a person's capacity wherever possible. If they need to make decisions on behalf of another, they will look for the least restrictive option that is in their
best interests.It may be that we will have to ask a caller questions when talking to them to gain more
information, and to make sure we understand what they are telling us. If a caller does not share
information which identifies themselves, then we will be unable to act on their situation further.
Callers can decide what information to choose to share with us.It may be that we contact emergency services following a disclosure, if we deem the situation
serious enough. It may also be that we contact social services following a disclosure. Such
contact will only be made if we have sufficient information to provide an actionable referral.All Safeguarding incidents will be referred to Strut Safe’s Safeguarding team, who will review all
cases to ensure consistency and quality of service, as well as identify any patterns or training
needs for the organisation.
Last reviewed October 2023
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
STRUT SAFE EMERGENCY POLICYStrut Safe is not an emergency services dispatch service and we do not have the capacity to dispatch emergency services. Strut Safe does not take responsibility or liability for any harm that comes to a service user while they are on the phone to us. Anyone in immediate danger who wants and needs help from the emergency services should call 999 directly.If an emergency occurs while a service user is on the phone with Strut Safe, the call handler volunteer will act according to our internal emergency protocol. This consists of encouraging the service user to call emergency services directly in the first instance. If the service user is unable or unwilling to do so, the call handler may attempt to gather relevant information and then call emergency services on the service user’s behalf.The decision to contact emergency services on a service user’s behalf is a measure of last resort. This decision will be informed by the service user’s autonomy and the call handler’s assessment of the service user’s decision-making capacity at that moment. We will not contact emergency services on behalf of an adult with capacity who explicitly asks us not to unless there is a present and immediate risk to life.
Last reviewed March 2024
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
STRUT SAFE EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES STATEMENTAt Strut Safe we strongly believe that everyone should have equal opportunities to participate in our organisation’s work free from bullying, harassment or discrimination on the grounds of any protected characteristic. We foster this safe environment through the implementation of our zero tolerance policy and grievance policy. All Strut Safe recruitment materials include an explicit statement that we encourage applicants from marginalised communities.Strut Safe follows the social model of disability, which states that individuals are disabled not by their own bodies or minds but by societal barriers. We therefore strive to make reasonable adjustments as required, led by each individual, throughout all of our activities, starting from recruitment and continuing through any and all volunteer work. We encourage all potential and current volunteers to inform us of adjustments they require at any time, and will do our utmost to accommodate their needs without seeking evidence or asking intrusive questions.
Last reviewed March 2024
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
STRUT SAFE HEALTH AND SAFETY POLICYAt Strut Safe, the health, safety and wellbeing of our volunteers and service users is paramount. This policy outlines the steps that Strut Safe Leadership takes and the steps our volunteers are expected to take in order to minimise risk to health and safety, both in the course of usual service provision and during attendance at external events.Strut Safe operates entirely remotely and holds no official premises. All volunteers carry out their tasks primarily from home, and are therefore responsible for ensuring their environment is comfortable, suitable for their needs and free from hazards.For the benefit of volunteer wellbeing, optional debriefs with our Wellbeing and Safeguarding team are offered every Monday to anyone who took a call handling shift over the previous weekend. All volunteers across the organisation are also welcome to contact the Head of Wellbeing and Safeguarding at any time for an informal wellbeing check-in. In addition, Reflective Practice sessions run by a qualified counselor are offered to call handler volunteers every two months through a contract with Lifelink.To protect the health and safety of our service users, all volunteers sign our Code of Conduct and Zero Tolerance Policy, provide a photograph of a valid DBS certificate, and attend our internal training prior to taking any shifts answering the Strut Safe phone line. If a call handler has concerns about the health and safety of an individual service user, they will act in accordance with our internal emergency protocol and/or safeguarding policy.When a Strut Safe volunteer attends an external event for the purposes of promoting our work and/or raising awareness, additional health and safety measures will be taken. Firstly, the event organiser will be asked to provide clear instructions on where volunteers are expected to be and when so that volunteers can plan accordingly. We will strive to always allocate a minimum of two volunteers to any event, so that no volunteer is left alone. We will conduct a brief risk assessment to identify and mitigate any event-specific hazards. One volunteer in attendance will be allocated the role of supervisor and will be responsible for managing any unexpected risks and hazards on site. Volunteers will also be given the name of an off-site supervisor, usually a member of the Leadership Team, to contact for advice and support.Any concerns regarding health and safety, either of volunteers or service users, which are not addressed in this policy should be raised in the first instance with the Director of Personnel and Finance.
Last reviewed March 2024
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
Below is the internal Complaint, Grievance and Whistleblowing policy for volunteers of Strut Safe. If you as a caller/service user have a complaint to make, or any other feedback or questions, please visit our contact page and fill out the contact form or the anonymous feedback form.All complaints are reviewed by our Director of Personnel and Finance and/or our Director of Service Provision. If a complaint is of sufficient severity and we can gather enough information to do so, an internal investigation will be launched following similar steps to those outlined in the policy below.
STRUT SAFE COMPLAINT, GRIEVANCE AND WHISTLEBLOWING POLICYStrut Safe is committed to providing a safe and respectful work environment where individuals are free to express concerns to their peers, heads of department and directors.This procedure relates to problems, concerns, grievances and complaints raised by Strut Safe employees/volunteers in relation to:-Issues affected themselves
-Issues affecting their interactions with other Strut Safe employees/volunteersWherever possible grievances should be resolved informally without use of this procedure. If an informal discussion is required with a Head of team or with the Director of Personnel, please feel free to do so at any point, and they will try to assist you in resolving the issue before making use this procedure. It is expected that this procedure shall be used in good faith, and only if other channels have failed.All elements of this process are entirely confidential.If you have a complaint or grievance:
Report this to the Director of Personnel and Finance in the first instance, who will investigate.
If the matter relates to the Director of Personnel and Finance or you would rather speak to a different member of the Leadership Team, refer to the Director of Service Provision OR Head of Safeguarding and Wellbeing, who will investigate confidentially instead. If it is deemed upon review of the complaint or grievance that this matter would be better investigated by the Director of Personnel and Finance, it may be referred to them.The investigator will discuss the reported concerns, discreetly gather information about the matter raised where appropriate, and attempt to address the issue quickly and fairly. The results of any investigation will be provided to any member of Strut Safe named in the report. Following this, the investigator may deem it appropriate to hold further meetings with the reporter, any named members of Strut Safe, and/or the Board of Directors to seek further information or to allow additional comment on the situation.The Investigator will determine the outcome of the grievance or complaint. It may be rejected or upheld, with an outline of steps taken in either case. Any member of Strut Safe who is named in the report will be informed of the decision and given twenty working days to respond and informed of their right to appeal.If a right to appeal is exercised, this appeal must be submitted to the Board of Directors within the aforementioned twenty day window. Appeals will be considered by the Board of Directors with the exception of the initial investigator (if relevant). If the appeal involves other members of Strut Safe, they will be informed that an appeal is underway. A decision on the appeal will be provided within ten working days of the appeal submission, with recommendations for further action (if required) included in the decision. The decision following appeal is final.If you have a more general concern about certain types of wrongdoing, and you do not wish to report it internally, you are protected by law - this is called whistleblowing. If you would rather report something internally in the first instance then please follow the steps above, however if you do not feel it would be appropriate to report your concern internally and the wrongdoing you wish to disclose is in the public interest (it must affect others, for instance the general public) you can speak to a lawyer or a prescribed person or body. You can raise your concern at any time about an incident that happened in the past, is happening now, or you believe will happen in the near future.
Last reviewed March 2024
Strut Safe is a not-for-profit Community Interest Company. Company number SC736453.
