Child Protection Information

Community Guidelines and Safeguarding Procedures for Children and Vulnerable Adults at Twisted Realities Events

Community-Centred Child Protection Policy

Twisted Realities is a not-for-profit social club that brings people together to enjoy community-driven, members-only LARP events throughout the year. Our aim is to foster a vibrant and welcoming environment for live roleplayers of all ages, whether joining as individuals, families, or groups. These events are organised and supported by the Twisted Realities Social Club, reflecting our shared commitment to community spirit.

Our safeguarding policies are designed with the whole community in mind, applying to all children under 18 and vulnerable adults. Before each event, we make sure that parents and guardians have access to our most up-to-date safety guidelines, which are also available online. We believe that safeguarding is a shared community responsibility, and everyone attending plays a part in upholding these standards.

We recognise that some children and vulnerable adults may need additional support to fully participate in our events. We encourage open communication: if you or someone you care for requires extra assistance, please let us know in advance so we can work together to provide appropriate support within our capacity as a community-run, not-for-profit club.

Our goal is to create a safe and inclusive space for all to enjoy live roleplaying, balancing fun and safety in a way that benefits everyone. It’s important to note that while we prioritise child protection, Twisted Realities is not a registered childcare provider under the Protection of Children Act 1999.

We ask every participant to take an active role in safeguarding, maintaining responsibility for their children’s physical and emotional wellbeing, as well as their belongings, throughout the event. Familiarise yourself with any activities your dependents wish to join, and help us ensure everyone has a safe and enjoyable experience.

Our event volunteers are community members who offer their time and support, selected based on recommendations and for their positive standing within our club. While their contact information is held securely, please note that standard crew members are not subject to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) checks.

As our events always require children and vulnerable adults to be accompanied by a responsible adult, our activities do not fall under those requiring DBS checks. This approach protects the privacy of our members, whilst ensuring the community takes shared responsibility for safeguarding.

Parents or Guardians are expected to personally supervise their children or assign another trustworthy adult to do so during events. Occasionally, cleared members that have a valid Enhanced DBS check within the last three years may assist with supervision during activities, but general volunteers are not authorised to take on this role. Communal spaces such as camping areas and toilets remain unsupervised, so please look out for one another.

Twisted Realities is dedicated to maintaining a welcoming and respectful community for all, regardless of race, gender, religion, ability, sexual orientation, age, or ethnic background.

If you experience or witness any issues, please approach a volunteer crew member. If they cannot resolve the matter, they will seek further help from the organising team. All concerns are addressed with care and discretion and are properly recorded when required.

Every Twisted Realities volunteer is familiar with these safeguarding policies and the definitions outlined below.

Photography at events is unrestricted, but photographers are asked to be considerate and maintain the immersive experience for all. Please use common sense and follow any guidance from Twisted Realities organisers.

We continually review and improve this policy as a community, led by the event organiser, to ensure it meets our shared needs.

All volunteers receive a copy of this policy. Any concerns should be reported to one of the nominated officers named at the end of this document, and volunteers are expected to follow all agreed procedures to protect the wellbeing of our community.

We keep essential electronic records solely for the smooth running of Twisted Realities and its events, such as contact details, character information, and any medical conditions that need to be shared with our first aiders.

Code of Good Community Practice

At Twisted Realities, we value every child and vulnerable adult as an individual and believe that a respectful, inclusive community is built through positive role-modelling by adults. Any form of bullying, discrimination or inappropriate behaviour is not tolerated in our community.

Physical contact should only ever happen when necessary for roleplay and must always be appropriate. Inappropriate or sexualised contact is strictly prohibited, even as part of a game.

Adults should do their best to avoid being alone with a child. If supervising children outside of their carers’ presence, try to work with groups and alongside another adult. Wherever possible, ensure there are at least two adults present with two or more children.

Any remarks to or about a child must be appropriate; jokes or comments that could be misinterpreted are unacceptable.

Abuse can be perpetrated by anyone, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, or social class. Our community must remain vigilant and act without prejudice when concerns arise.

Everyone in our community has a part to play in preventing and reporting any suspected or actual abuse of children and vulnerable adults.

By working together, taking sensible precautions, and looking out for one another, we reduce the risk of harm and create a safer space for all. Should any concerns arise, report them swiftly to the nominated officers listed at the end of this policy.

Understanding Abuse in a Community Context

We follow the definitions in the HM Government’s “Working Together to Safeguard Children” (2006) to help our community recognise the signs of abuse:

Physical Abuse: Deliberate or accidental actions that cause physical harm, such as hitting, burning, or failing to protect a child from danger.

Emotional Abuse: Persistent behaviour that damages a child’s self-esteem or emotional development, such as making them feel unloved, frightened, or isolated.

Sexual Abuse: Coercing or encouraging children to take part in sexual activities, including inappropriate contact or exposure to sexual material.

Neglect: Failing to meet a child’s basic needs, such as food, shelter, protection, medical care, or emotional support.

Because live roleplaying can sometimes involve simulated behaviour or challenging themes, we rely on our whole community to step in and remove children or vulnerable adults from any situation that may be distressing. If this is not done, Twisted Realities reserves the right to intervene and may remove or bar individuals as needed to protect our community’s wellbeing.

Community Advice on Responding to Allegations

If you become aware of a possible safeguarding concern, here’s how you can support our community and those affected:

Listen calmly and take any concerns seriously – it’s rare for children to make false allegations.

Where possible, make brief notes during any disclosure and keep these for reference. If you can’t write at the time, make a record as soon as you can.

Be honest – don’t promise confidentiality but reassure the child that only those who need to know will be told.

Avoid asking leading questions – instead, use open prompts like “What would you like to tell me?”

Allow the child to speak at their own pace and reassure them for coming forward.

Let them know what will happen next and who will be informed.

Never investigate yourself – refer concerns to the nominated child protection officers, who will take it from there.

Nominated Child Protection Officers

Our officers are responsible for supporting the community in safeguarding and responding to any allegations of abuse and have Enhanced DBS checks within the last three years and their information is available in the clubhouse or by emailing at: twistedrealitieslarp@outlook.com