Welfare & Safeguarding

Athletics is one of the most accessible and successful sports in the UK. Everyone who takes part in athletics is entitled to enjoy the sport in a safe, welcoming, and supportive environment. We believe that all those involved in our sport share a responsibility to promote wellbeing and to safeguard people of all ages from harm.

Gosforth Harriers & Athletics Club is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the wellbeing of all of its members. The club has adopted the UK Athletics (UKA) and Home Country Athletics Federations (HCAFs) safeguarding policies, procedures & codes of conduct.

Irene Ewart

Irene Ewart

Lead Welfare Officer

Irene has been a proud member of Gosforth Harriers since 2007, bringing her energy and commitment to the club for well over a decade. By 2009, she had stepped up as a committee member and taken on the vital role of Welfare Officer, ensuring the wellbeing of our runners both on and off the course.

Never one to stand still, Irene completed her Assistant Coaching course in 2016 and has since been a key part of our Beginners Group, working alongside Steve to welcome new runners and help them find their stride.

Irene’s dedication, encouragement, and friendly presence make her an invaluable part of the Harriers family — whether she’s supporting behind the scenes or cheering runners on at the start line.

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Iain Armstrong

Welfare Officer

Bio incoming!

Safeguarding Contact Information

Irene or Iain are your first point of contact for any worries about the welfare of a child or vulnerable adult, including concerns about poor practice or possible abuse.

If you’re unsure whether your concern falls under Welfare, please use our contact form, selecting Welfare & Safeguarding as the reason, so it can be directed to the right place and handled appropriately.

🏛️ Newcastle City Council

Child or Young Persons

If you are concerned about a child or young person:

  • Report a concern about a child or young person online
  • Contact Children’s Social Care: open weekdays 8:45am to 5pm, phone 0191 277 2500
  • after 5pm if the issue cannot wait until the next working day, call our switchboard and ask for the Emergency Duty Team on 0191 278 7878
  • You can also discuss any concerns with someone you trust, who works with children and families. This could be your health worker, social worker, school nurse or teacher. All schools have a teacher responsible for child protection.

Read more about safeguarding children in Newcastle

Adults

If you are worried about an adult in Newcastle you can:

Read more about safeguarding adults in Newcastle

🚓 Northumbria Police

Contacting police:

🎗️ Charities

You can contact the following charities who can provide advice and guidance:

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