Effective Date

01 November 2022.

Who We Are

This policy applies to the website: busseltoncss.com.au (the “Site). The Site is owned and operated by Busselton Community Safe Space Incorporated (BCSS), a community NFP with registration number 5210 9443 991. BCSS can be contacted at:

info@busseltoncss.com.au
P.O. Box 5290, Busselton, WA 6280.

Our Code of Conduct

All volunteers, guests, and Board members agree to adhere to the following Code of Conduct to help create a safe, respectful, non-clinical community environment.

Respect and non-discrimination

We treat all people with dignity and fairness. We do not discriminate against or take advantage of any person based on age, gender, sexual orientation, relationship status, religion, ethnicity, disability, or financial status.

Values and beliefs

We respect each person’s values, beliefs, and lived experience. We do not impose personal beliefs, opinions, or agendas (including political or religious views) on others. We allow people to hold different perspectives without pressure to agree.

Confidentiality and privacy

We respect privacy and confidentiality within the limits of safety and the law.

  • What is shared in the group stays in the group: we do not discuss people’s stories, names, or identifying details outside the group.
  • No photos, video, audio recording, or social media posting in or about the group (including content that could identify someone).
  • Confidential information is shared internally only on a need-to-know basis for safety and operational purposes.

Safety comes first

We act to protect the safety of individuals and the group.

  • If someone is at immediate risk of harm to themselves or others, volunteers will follow BCSS safety procedures, which may include contacting emergency services or other supports.
  • Guests agree that confidentiality may be limited where there is imminent risk or other safety/legal requirements.

Non-clinical support

BCSS provides non-clinical peer support. Volunteers work within these limits, which are defined by the BCSS Volunteer Operational Guidelines and other policies and procedures provided during volunteer onboarding. Volunteers do not provide clinical services of any nature whatsoever.

Referrals and additional support

Volunteers may help guests with contact information for the other support services when their needs go beyond BCSS services. If required for safety, volunteers may proactively involve additional support in line with by the BCSS Volunteer Operational Guidelines.

Respectful communication

BCSS provides a supportive environment where everyone has space. We avoid dominating, interrupting, or cross-examining others when they speak. We use “I” statements and share from our own experience rather than judging others. We ask before offering suggestions. Guests may choose to take a break, step outside at any time, or leave at anytime. Similarly, volunteers may choose to take a break, step outside, or request assistance as per the BCSS Volunteer Operational Guidelines.

Safe conversations about mental ill-health

We speak about distress in ways that protect others. We focus on feelings, support, coping strategies, and pathways to help. We do not share graphic details or methods of suicide or self-harm.

Boundaries and relationships

We maintain healthy boundaries to keep our community space safe and fair. We do not form relationships that exploit, pressure, or blur roles between volunteers and current guests. Any contact outside our community safe space occurs through appropriate channels in line with BCSS guidelines.

Alcohol, drugs, and unsafe behaviour

We keep our community space safe. We do not provide or seek BCSS services while under the influence of alcohol or other drugs that may impair judgement or cause harm to others. BCSS may refuse entry or ask a person to leave if they appear impaired or behave unsafely.

Protecting BCSS and raising concerns appropriately

We behave in ways that support trust in BCSS and its services. We do not engage in conduct that might damage the reputation of BCSS or the services it provides. We raise concerns, incidents, or complaints through BCSS’s reporting pathways rather than through gossip or public commentary.

Raising concerns and reporting incidents

We speak up early when something feels unsafe or inappropriate. Guests and volunteers can report concerns to the senior volunteer on duty or email the volunteer coordinator via info@busseltoncss.com.au.

Volunteers should log any concerning incidents via MyImpact and report safety concerns to the volunteer coordinator via info@busseltoncss.com.au.

If the Code of Conduct is not followed

BCSS will respond to breaches in a fair, safety-first way. This may include reminders of expectations, a request to pause or leave a session, changes to participation arrangements, or other actions consistent with BCSS policy.

Modifications

The Code of Conduct may be amended from time to time in order to maintain compliance with the law and to reflect any changes to BCSS policies and procedures. When we amend the Code of Conduct we will update the “Effective Date” at the top of this page. We recommend that our users periodically review our Code of Conduct to ensure that they are notified of any updates.

Contact Details

Please contact us if you have any questions or concerns. Our contact details are as follows:

You can also contact us through the contact form available on our website.