Safeguarding Matters with the Ann Craft Trust

Laura Thorpe, Safeguarding Adults Manager at The Ann Craft Trust, talks to Daniela Smith and Jessica Johnson from Our Dementia Choir.Our Dementia Choir uses music to bring happiness, connection, and comfort to people affected by dementia. The choir performs throughout the country and offers support and resources to raise awareness and funds.Laura, Daniela, and Jessica discuss the work of the choir, the importance of person-centred support, and the amazing power of music to bring people together. They also offer some tips on how listeners can use music to transform their own worlds.

Jodi Evans talks to former International Rugby Player Rhys Thomas about his life journey and the lessons he has learnt along the way.In the early 2000s, Rhys had a thriving international sports career as a capped Welsh rugby player. But in 2012, aged just 29, he suffered a massive heart attack during training, which would change his life forever. Rhys is now on a mission to share his unique life experiences to create positive change. He strives to help others reach their full potential through greater self-awareness, perspective and choice.

Nicola chats with Robbie Jacques, who plays for Nottingham Lions FC, Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire’s only LGBTQ+ football team.The two discuss the rising acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities in professional and grassroots football. Robbie's recently received a nomination for the Positive Role Model Award for LGBT as part of the National Diversity Awards."I believe everyone should be comfortable doing what they love without fear of discrimination and abuse. I believe we have the potential to change attitudes now more than ever. LGBTQ+ friendly clubs can play a significant role in providing a safe and supportive space for players and supporters, irrespective of sexual orientation, gender identity, race and religion."Learn more about Nottinghamshire Lions FC here. Robbie also recommends The Gay Football Supporters' Alliance, as a great resource for anyone who wants to know more about LGBTQ+ friendly clubs. 

Nicola talks to Stuart Gallagher a Senior Lecturer at The University of Worcester, about a course he runs: a Post Graduate Certificate in Leading Culture Change in Safeguarding.She also chats with two students who have taken this course: Victoria Wiegleb from The English Cricket Board, and Kath Bennett from The Rugby Football Union.Stuart describes the course as "a course for people who are short on time. It's a flexible course for really busy safeguarding leaders. It respects your time, and your work/life balance."The course allows participants to learn not about safeguarding, but around the subject. It encourages participants to thinks about safeguarding in a different way. How can we change what is, particularly in sport, quite a well-defined process?Throughout, Stuart, Victoria and Kate refer to The Munro Review. This was an independent review into child protection in England, which called for "a move from a compliance to a learning culture." The three consider how much the safeguarding community has taken onboard this report's lessons: How do you do things right, and do the right thing? It's not an either/or choice. You need to do both!They also discuss the idea of being a positive "rebel at work". This is a campaign that encourages people to improve and innovate in the work place through asking: What are you doing to make things better? You can learn more about Rebels at Work here.If you want to learn more about Stuart's Leading Culture Change in Safeguarding post graduate certificate, head to The University of Worcester's site.