Group Safety

BLOSSOME CIC is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals, especially vulnerable adults, who come into contact with our organisation. This document outlines our safeguarding measures and procedures for managing emotional distress during the 6-week Cultivating Self-compassion training programme. Our aim is to create a supportive atmosphere that prioritises participant safety and well-being while effectively managing emotional responses.

Christopher Germer, one of the co-founders of Mindful Self-compassion, emphasises the importance of safeguarding individuals when learning self-compassion, particularly because emotional responses can be intense and overwhelming. He advocates for creating a safe environment where individuals can explore their feelings without judgment.

Germer suggests that practitioners should:

• Recognise Emotional Triggers: Be aware of situations that may provoke strong emotional reactions.
• Pace the Learning: Allow individuals to proceed at their own pace, ensuring they don’t feel rushed or pressured.
• Encourage Self-Kindness: Teach the importance of treating oneself with kindness during difficult emotional experiences.
• Use Mindfulness: Encourage mindfulness practices to help individuals stay present and manage their emotional responses effectively.
• Seek Support: Promote the idea of seeking support from trusted friends or professionals if emotions become too overwhelming.

Everything we do has this guidance in mind. And that is why this entire programme has been designed taking into consideration the vulnerability of the participants and the high levels of trauma that they have experienced over the years, supporting their loved one who is suffering with addiction.

Objectives

1. Ensure Participant Safety: Create a welcoming safe space where participants feel safe to explore and express their emotions.
2. Provide Emotional Support: Provide mechanisms for supporting participants experiencing heightened emotions during sessions and between group sessions.

Roles and Responsibilities

1. Session Leader: Oversees the programme and ensures adherence to safeguarding procedures and emotional support protocols. Delivered by a qualified self-compassion supervisor, specialist activity co-ordinator or peer support worker.
2. Co-Facilitator: Assists in managing the group and providing emotional support as needed.
3. Volunteers: Support the session leader and co-facilitator, assisting with refreshments, room set-up, room tidy, sitting with people who need some extra support. .

Size Considerations

1. In-Person Groups: Capped at 12 participants to ensure manageable dynamics and adequate support, with one support person for up to 6 participants.
2. Online Groups: Can accommodate up to 15 participants with a minimum of 2 assistants supporting the teacher.

Emotional Safety

There are a number of measures that we have put in place to ensure the emotional safety of participants.

Contracting:

At the beginning of the programme, together with the participants, we establish ground rules for creating a safe virtual space, including:

• Confidentiality
• Respect
• Diversity
• Non-judgmental attitudes
• No advice giving
• Care
• Kindness
• Compassion

Empowerment:

Throughout the programme, we assure participants they have full permission to say “No” to any activity or technique they find difficult, promoting self-confidence and empowerment.

Support for Difficult Emotions:

For In-person sessions:

If a participant experiences difficult emotions, the facilitator will lead the group in providing support and care, while the co-facilitator supports the participant in need. The room will be set up in a way that participants can go to the Compassion Nook a serene, comfy space designed for participants to take a moment, with support. This nook encourages self-care, self-kindness and the ability to go at their own pace.

If a participant shows signs of distress:

• Approach them calmly, offering support.
• Suggest a moment in the compassion nook,  if needed.
• Validate their feelings and encourage expression.

After the group, session, the facilitator or co-facilitator will check in with the participant to discuss their experience and offer additional resources or signposting to additional support if necessary.

For Online Sessions:

Pre-Session Communication: We will confirm  participants’ locations and emergency contact information.

Confidential Space: We advise participants on setting up a confidential and safe space for attending the course, ensuring privacy for open expression.

Instructions: Blossome will provide instructions on using the online platform to ensure participants are comfortable and reduce stress and anxiety.

Opening the Space: We will open the virtual room 15 minutes before the start to allow participants to settle, connect, and feel at ease.

Monitoring for Distress: We will maintain a minimum of 2-3 assistants who will monitor for signs of overwhelm, such as turning off cameras.

Responding to Distress: If a participant expresses distress we will:

• Move them to a breakout room for one-on-one support.
• Ensure the assistant is trained in emotional support and can communicate with the session leader for additional help.

Physical Safety

For in-person session:

We will provide privacy for the group and ensure adequate refreshments are available. We will also ensure restrooms are easily accessible and suitable for disabled participants.  We will also confirm that the venue has access suitable for disabled participants.

Virtual Meeting Considerations:

We advise participants on positioning their cameras to avoid strain, ensuring adequate lighting, and maintaining a comfortable temperature. We also advise participants to choose a comfortable setting, using cushions and blankets for comfort, and to be able to switch form laying sitting to laying down when they choose to do so.

Qualified Personnel:

In-person activities will be delivered by a  self-compassion teacher under supervision, and supported by qualified co-facilitator for group safety.

Health and Safety Compliance:

We ensure the physical space for in-person sessions conforms to relevant Health and Safety regulations, providing a suitable environment (e.g., temperature, seating) for the group.

Emergency Protocol:

Follow the Blossome Safeguarding procedure.
Complete the Blossome Safeguarding incident form.