How We Respond to a Crisis: When We May Contact Others

At AuDHD UK, your safety and wellbeing are our top priorities. If you are in distress or crisis while using our services, here’s what you can expect from us:

1. Our Approach

  • We always aim to support you with compassion, respect, and confidentiality.

  • Whenever possible, we involve you in decisions about your care and who we contact for help.

2. When We Will Ask for Your Consent

  • If you are experiencing distress but are not at immediate risk, we will talk with you about the best way to support you.

  • We will ask for your consent before contacting your GP, next of kin, or any external support services.

  • We will explain what information we would share, with whom, and why.

3. When We May Act Without Your Consent

There are rare situations where we may need to contact others without your consent:

  • If we believe you or someone else is at immediate risk of serious harm (for example, if you are in danger of suicide, serious self-harm, or harming others).

  • If you are unable to give consent (for example, if you are unconscious or in a medical emergency).

  • If required by law or safeguarding regulations (such as in cases of abuse or neglect).

In these cases, we may contact:

  • Emergency services (999)

  • Your next of kin or emergency contact

  • Mental health crisis teams or safeguarding professionals

We will always share only the minimum necessary information to keep you or others safe, and we will keep you informed as soon as it is safe and possible to do so.

4. Our Commitment to Confidentiality

  • We treat your information with the utmost care and keep it confidential, unless there is a serious risk to your safety or someone else’s.

  • Any decision to break confidentiality is made carefully, recorded, and only done to protect you or others from harm.

5. If You Have Questions or Concerns

If you want to know more about how we handle crises, consent, or confidentiality, please contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), Georgina Banks
Email: safeguarding@audhduk.org

Your safety matters. We’re here to support you, and we will always try to work with you to find the best way forward.

Last updated: 30 April 2025