At The Two Counties Trust (TTCT), safeguarding is at the heart of our Trust. That’s why we have developed our safeguarding campaign to ensure our students feel safe and supported at school. Every term we focus on a specific safeguarding theme tailored to the needs of our 12,000 students.

This term’s focus is ‘Worries about your family? – Tell a Trusted Adult.’ This theme explores how we can support our most vulnerable students and families during times of addiction and domestic abuse.

Worries at home can have a significant impact on a young person’s wellbeing and education. For some, this may involve living with domestic abuse of coping with family members drinking. According to latest research:

  • 1 in 5 people in the UK are affected by a parent’s drinking.
  • 1 in 5 children are living with domestic abuse.

This term’s campaign encourages students and and staff to recognise when someone may be struggling, to offer support and to help create an environment where concerns are discussed without any stigma. We aim to foster a culture of caring, understanding and action. This could mean checking in on a friend, seeking help from a trusted adult or challenging harmful behaviour.

This term’s focus is particularly relevant as students navigate:

  • Understanding domestic abuse: Encouraging awareness of different aspects of abuse, how to spot the signs and support those that are living in harmful environments.
  • Challenging discrimination around addiction: Addressing misconceptions and reducing stigma to create an inclusive and supportive community.
  • Exploring why people use alcohol: Understanding the negative impacts of alcohol on health and wellbeing.
  • Spotting the signs of abuse and exploring strategies and support: Empowering students to recognise when they or others need help and where to seek appropriate support.

Throughout the term assemblies, Tutor Time and Personal Social Health and Economic (PSHE) lessons will explore these topics in depth. Students will be equipped with practical strategies to stay safe online, manage their digital interactions and feel confident seeking help when needed.

Safeguarding is a collective effort and by encouraging students to tell a trusted adult about online harassment we are building a stronger, safer Trust community.