Call emergency services first (Police: 999 / 112). Then immediately contact our Designated Safeguarding Lead: Emmanuel Oduya — +256 700 000 000. Do not wait. Do not investigate yourself.
Emmanuel Oduya — available any time, any day.
Phone: +256 700 000 000 · Email: safeguarding@holynation.org
Safeguarding means protecting young people from harm, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. It is the responsibility of every adult who works with or volunteers with young people — not just designated leads.
In Holy Nation Youth Ministry, safeguarding means creating and maintaining an environment where every young person feels safe, valued, and protected. It means knowing the signs of abuse, knowing how to respond to disclosures, and knowing when and how to report concerns.
You should be aware of and able to recognise indicators of:
- Physical abuse — unexplained injuries, flinching at touch, fearfulness
- Emotional abuse — persistent low self-worth, extreme behaviour, excessive need for approval
- Sexual abuse — inappropriate sexual knowledge, self-harm, withdrawal
- Neglect — poor hygiene, hunger, tiredness, lack of appropriate clothing
- Online harm — cyberbullying, grooming, inappropriate online relationships
You are not expected to be certain before reporting. If something concerns you, report it.
If a young person discloses abuse or harm to you:
- Stay calm. Don't show shock or horror — it may cause them to shut down
- Listen without interrupting. Let them tell you in their own words
- Believe them. Do not minimise, dismiss, or question their account
- Do NOT promise confidentiality — you cannot keep this secret
- Do NOT investigate — that is not your role
- Report to Emmanuel Oduya as soon as possible after the disclosure
- Write down what was said using the young person's own words, as soon as possible
Leaders must not engage in private one-to-one digital contact with young people (under 18). All communication should be through official church channels, group chats, or with parental consent in copy.
Do not follow young people on personal social media accounts. Do not share your personal phone number with young people.
Step 1: If a young person is in immediate danger, call emergency services first.
Step 2: Contact Emmanuel Oduya (Safeguarding Lead) immediately.
Step 3: Complete a written record of your concern using the Concern Form, available from the church office.
Step 4: Do not discuss the concern with anyone other than the Safeguarding Lead and, where appropriate, the senior pastor.