THE WELFARE CREW

The Welfare Crew offers support to those vulnerable at festivals and events either through substance use, mental health, are a victim of an assault or sexual assault and for those that are finding the festival environment too overwhelming in that moment.  We offer a safe space facilitated by trained and experienced volunteers where people can be cared for until they feel able to head back into the festival/event.

Our volunteers come from a range of professional backgrounds including drug and alcohol services, mental health, probation, social care, fire service, youth services, medical services.  Alongside their work experience all volunteers are trained in drugs and alcohol, how to safeguard vulnerable adults and children, how to support victims of sexual assault, how to recognise and deal with domestic abuse incidents, recognising mental health and how to give immediate support.

All of our volunteers are DBS checked and are supported 24/7 by our management team on site. Our primary aim is to deliver a quality service to all who need welfare support at any event. Our non-judgemental approach to support ensures people are confident that their needs will be met whilst in the care of The Welfare Crew. Safeguarding vulnerable people is our top priority within the welfare arena, before people leave our care we will ensure that they are safe to do so.  For all under 18’s in our care we will ensure an appropriate adult attends the welfare to collect them when they are ready.

SPECIALISED SEXUAL ASSAULT SUPPORT

A sexual assault is a traumatic incident and it is perfectly normal for anyone to feel upset, shocked, distressed and confused with any kind of sexual assault or violence.  We have a dedicated, trained team to support anyone with an allegation around sexual assault or rape.

Our teams will guide the victim to a safe area, where the victim can sit and gain their thoughts and talk to us in a confidential manner when they are ready to do so. We are non-judgemental and empathetic; we will only involve the police for adults if the person wishes to do so.

We have robust procedures in place to ensure we support the victim on an emotional level, but also on a practical level to ensure the best chance of conviction if the victim chooses to report to the police. Before each event, we will make contact with the local Sexual Assault Referral Clinic (SARC) in that area and inform them of the event and what our teams’ capabilities are. We will also request a meeting with the head of security to talk through our procedures which have to be followed so the victim receives the best possible support, suited to their needs.

We are also able to provide police reports and our team are trained and supported to attend any potential court case as witnesses.  24/7 supervision support is available for any staff member at the event who is supporting the victim to ensure their wellbeing needs are met.