Trusted contacts

Annette will ask you for the details of who to contact if she ever becomes seriously concerned for your safety and was unable to reach you, or felt she needed additional support to keep you safe. Naming a contact does not mean she will always contact them automatically; it gives a starting point if a serious concern arises, and Annette will always use professional judgement about whether and how to act, including if she has reason to think that contact may not be appropriate. Annette will discuss this with you when you meet.

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Annette will only share information without your consent in the following circumstances:

• If she believes you are at risk of serious physical harm to yourself, and judges that involving someone else is necessary to keep you safe. Where possible, Annette will first encourage and support you to make contact yourself.

• If you disclose harm, or risk of harm, to a child or to another vulnerable adult. In these circumstances we all have a legal and ethical duty to act, which may include making a referral to children's social care, adult safeguarding services, or the police. This duty applies regardless of what else has been discussed or agreed, and cannot be overridden by a personal request for confidentiality.

• If she is required to do so by law.

Wherever it is safe and appropriate to do so, Annette will talk to you first about any concern and what happens next.

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