What does Safeguarding mean to you?

When developing this young people's section of the Safeguarding Partnership website, we asked a group of young people in Bedfordshire "What does the term Safeguarding mean to you?' and they told us; 

"Making sure there are boundaries & procedures in place to protect people from harm. Ensuring the safety of people's mental health & wellbeing."

"Measures that can be taken to prevent people from harm."

"Making sure there is no abuse or neglect taking place. Ensuring that staff are trained regularly and that accountability is in place for this to happen."

"Being concerned about the safety of a young person."

They also shared that the term 'Safeguarding' may not be fully understood by young people...

"They understand the textbook definition but not the practice."

"It's not a word that would be used socially."

"It's seen as a taboo subject by some."

... and suggested that other key words could be used such as "Harm", "Danger" or "Risk Management".