Peer Support Terms
This page explains clearly what Awareverse peer support is, what it is not, and what you can expect when you reach out to us. Please read this before using our peer support or safeguarding contact services.
๐ What Peer Support Is
Awareverse peer support is a human, warm, non-clinical first point of contact for people who need to talk, need signposting, or need someone to help them navigate a situation. It is built on lived experience and genuine care โ not clinical training or statutory authority.
Listen. We hear what you are telling us without judgment.
Signpost. We point you toward the right professional or statutory help.
Advocate. With your permission, we can contact services on your behalf.
๐ซ What Peer Support Is Not
| Peer Support (What We Are) | What We Are Not |
|---|---|
| Human, warm, conversational support | Clinical counselling or therapy |
| Signposting to the right services | A statutory safeguarding authority |
| Advocacy with your consent | A case management service |
| Lived experience led | A medical or legal advice service |
| A bridge to statutory help | A replacement for emergency services |
If you or someone else is in immediate danger โ call 999. Do not wait to contact Awareverse.
๐ Confidentiality
Awareverse peer support is not a confidential service where safeguarding is concerned. By contacting us you understand that:
- If we believe a child or vulnerable adult is at risk of significant harm, we will refer that information to the appropriate statutory service
- We will always tell you what we are doing and why before we do it where possible
- Where there is immediate risk to life we may act without prior notice
- All contacts are logged securely in line with our Privacy Policy
๐ค Advocacy โ Your Consent Matters
Awareverse can contact statutory services, schools, local authorities, or other agencies on your behalf. This will only ever happen with your explicit permission โ except where there is immediate risk to life.
- You tell us what is happening in whatever way you can
- We explain what we think needs to happen and who needs to know
- We ask you clearly โ do you want us to contact them on your behalf?
- You give your permission โ we log this with the date and time
- We make the contact and tell you exactly what was said
- We follow up to check how things are progressing
๐ The Coded Communication System
Awareverse operates a coded system for people who find it difficult to describe what has happened to them directly. You can use a safe word and a number instead of words that feel frightening or impossible to say. You can find the full code system on our safeguarding support page.
โ ๏ธ Limitations of Our Service
- Awareverse is operated as a sole trader platform โ we are not a 24-hour crisis service
- We aim to respond to peer support contacts as quickly as possible but cannot guarantee immediate response
- For urgent or emergency situations always contact statutory services directly
- Awareverse cannot guarantee outcomes โ we can signpost and advocate but statutory decisions are made by statutory agencies
- Our peer support function operates within our Safeguarding Policy at all times