Helpful information for Pupils

Problems or Worries? Who to Ask for Help

If you have any problems or worries, please remember you are not alone! We are always here to help and support you.
We understand that there may be times when you feel worried or upset about something. The information below explains who you can talk to so that you can choose someone you trust. Many students have found that, no matter how serious a problem may seem, talking about it almost always helps a great deal.

Is Something Worrying You?

Here are some examples of situations that might cause concern for young people:
  • ❒ You think you may be ill but are too afraid or embarrassed to tell anyone;
  • ❒ You feel depressed or that life is not worth living;
  • ❒ You or your friends are being bullied or treated unkindly by another student;
  • ❒ You suspect another student is not eating properly or may be harming themselves;
  • ❒ You feel worried, angry, or hurt about something that happened at your Host Family’s home;
  • ❒ You think another student has done, or is about to do, something seriously wrong or dangerous;
  • ❒ You are caught in a difficult situation that you don’t know how to escape from, such as one involving drugs, alcohol, money, or sex;
  • ❒ You feel you are being treated unfairly because of your gender, race, religion, disability, learning difficulty, or because you may be lesbian or gay;
  • ❒ You feel that a member of BBEVA staff or a Host Family member has treated you unfairly, for example, by giving an inappropriate punishment or showing favouritism to other students;
  • ❒ You feel you are not being given enough privacy or independence.
Here are some examples of situations that might cause concern for young people:

If any of these things happen, please talk to someone about it, even if you think you can handle it yourself. The situation may also affect others, or you might not be aware of all the ways the problem can be resolved.

There are many people who will be happy to listen to you and help you find a solution. You may find it helpful to talk first with a trusted student friend. However, you may also need the help and support of an adult or professional, such as a member of BBEVA staff or a family member you trust most.

We would expect the first person you speak to be one of the following:
  • ❒ Your parents, guardians, or other relatives;
  • ❒ A trusted adult at your school, such as a Houseparent, Form Tutor, Head of Year, School Chaplain, Counsellor, or School Doctor;
  • ❒ An older student at your school;
  • ❒ Your BBEVA Student Advisor;
  • ❒ Your Host Family;
  • ❒ BBEVA’s Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL).
If you do not feel able to speak to any of the above, you can also contact:
  • NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children):0800 800 5000 or visit nspcc.org.uk
  • Childline:0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
Who Else Needs to Know?

We understand that you may wish for your concerns to remain confidential. This may be possible if your concern does not raise a safeguarding issue. However, please note that many adults have a legal duty to share safeguarding concerns with their organisation (including your school or BBEVA) or with other agencies that can help.

Please do not let this stop you from speaking up. Most students who share their worries say afterwards that it helped them, and that the problem seemed much less serious once they had the chance to talk it through with someone experienced and supportive.

BBEVA Safeguarding Supervisor
Mr. Chris Davies

Email: [email protected]

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