Safeguarding Hub

We are a safeguarding organisation first.

A patrol that helps an intoxicated student get home safely, sits with someone in crisis until paramedics arrive, or walks a frightened resident to their door has done more for Glasgow than any confrontation ever could. This page sets out the training, standards and referral pathways behind that work.

Mandatory training for every volunteer

Trauma-informed practice

Every volunteer completes accredited trauma-informed training before patrol. We assume the people we meet may be in crisis, frightened, or harmed — and we behave accordingly.

Vulnerability identification

Recognising signs of exploitation, coercion, intoxication, mental health crisis, dementia-related distress, and risk to children — and knowing which agency owns the response.

De-escalation certification

Mandatory de-escalation and conflict-avoidance certification, refreshed annually. Voice, posture, distance, exit. No restraint. No pursuit. Walk away is always an option.

First aid & emergency response

Emergency first aid at work, naloxone administration, basic life support, and recovery-position handling. Every patrol carries a kit; every volunteer can use it.

Suicide awareness & intervention

ASIST or equivalent intervention training. Volunteers learn how to stay with someone in crisis safely until specialist help arrives.

Safeguarding children & adults at risk

Statutory safeguarding training aligned with Scottish guidance, including PVG scheme membership and mandatory disclosure procedures.

No volunteer patrols without an in-date certificate in trauma-informed practice, de-escalation, and emergency first aid. Records are held centrally and audited by the oversight board.

Our safeguarding principles

Dignity, consent and handover — every time.

  • 01The vulnerable person's safety comes before the incident, the report, or the patrol plan.
  • 02We do not photograph, film or publicly identify anyone we are safeguarding.
  • 03We hand over to statutory services as soon as they arrive — and we stay until they do.
  • 04We log every safeguarding contact through our incident system, with consent where possible.
  • 05We never make promises we can't keep about outcomes, accommodation, or police action.

Referral pathways

Streetwatch does not solve these problems — we hand them to the people who can. Every patrol carries this list.

Immediate danger to life
999 — Police Scotland / Scottish Ambulance Service
Non-emergency crime or ASB
101 — Police Scotland
Child at risk
Glasgow City Council Social Work Standby Service
Adult at risk of harm
Glasgow Adult Protection — Social Work Services
Person in mental health crisis
NHS 24 (111) Mental Health Hub / Compassionate Distress Response
Rough sleeper / housing crisis
Glasgow City Mission, Simon Community Scotland, council homelessness team
Suspected exploitation or trafficking
Modern Slavery Helpline + Police Scotland
Person walking home alone & feeling unsafe
Streetwatch walk-with patrol — radio request to nearest team

Want to train as a safeguarding-first volunteer?

Apply to join. Full training is provided. PVG scheme membership and a vetting interview are required before any patrol.

Apply to Volunteer