Everyone Deserves to Feel Safe at Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics Club
At Lancaster and Morecambe Athletics Club, we are committed to creating a safe, positive and welcoming environment where everyone can enjoy athletics, achieve their potential and feel respected.
Safeguarding is everyone's responsibility. Whether you are an athlete, parent, coach, volunteer or supporter, we all have a role to play in keeping children, young people and adults safe.
England Athletics and UK Athletics (UKA) lead safeguarding across athletics and running in the UK, setting the policies, procedures and standards that our club follows. We are committed to applying these standards and promoting a culture where concerns can be raised openly and confidently.
"Everyone in Athletics has a part to play in safeguarding children and adults at risk. England Athletics aims to create an environment where everyone involved in athletics and running feels safe and welcome, enabling them to be the best they can be."
Emma Davenport, Head of Clubs and Participation and England Athletics Safeguarding Lead
Safeguarding Policies and Procedures
The club adopts the safeguarding policies, procedures and regulations set by UK Athletics and England Athletics.
Please click the links below to view the current guidance: * Child Safeguarding Policy - Child Safeguarding Policy * Child Safeguarding Procedures - Child Safeguarding Procedures * Adult Safeguarding Policy - Adult Safeguarding Policy * Adult Safeguarding Procedures - Adult Safeguarding Procedures * Safeguarding Process Map - Safeguarding Process Map * England Athletics Codes of Conduct - Download the Codes of Conduct
(do we also want to add in L&M codes of conduct here?)
Meet Our Welfare Officer
Laura Gardner - Club Welfare Officer
Laura is the club's designated Welfare Officer and is available to support any athlete, parent, coach or volunteer who has a safeguarding or welfare concern.
You may wish to contact Laura if:
* You are worried about the safety or wellbeing of a child or adult.
* A young person has told you something that concerns you.
* You have witnessed inappropriate behaviour.
* You are experiencing bullying, harassment or discrimination.
* Something has happened that has made you feel worried, unsafe or uncomfortable.
* You would like advice about safeguarding or welfare matters. Email:
All concerns will be treated sensitively and taken seriously.
For Young People
If something has happened that has made you feel worried, upset, unsafe or uncomfortable, please tell a trusted adult as soon as possible.
You can speak to:
* Laura, our Welfare Officer
* Your parent or carer
* A coach you trust
* A teacher or another trusted adult
Remember: you will never get into trouble for speaking up about something that is worrying you.
Need Help Urgently?
If someone is in immediate danger or needs urgent medical attention:
Call 999 immediately.
Independent Support
If you would prefer to speak to someone outside the club, the following organisations can help:
Childline
Free, confidential support for children and young people.
📞 0800 1111 🌐 https://www.childline.org.uk
NSPCC Helpline
Advice and support for adults who have concerns about a child's safety or wellbeing.
📞 0808 800 5000 🌐 https://www.nspcc.org.uk
England Athletics Safeguarding Team
For safeguarding advice and guidance relating to athletics. 🌐 https://www.englandathletics.org
