Boardmasters outlines welfare and safeguarding measures ahead of festival

The Boardmasters festival has outlined a range of welfare, safeguarding and support measures ahead of this year's event, saying it wants festival-goers to feel safe, supported and confident seeking help if they need it.

The festival said it recognises that while no event can completely eliminate wider societal issues such as harassment, sexual violence, domestic abuse, spiking, poor mental health and antisocial behaviour, it has a responsibility to ensure appropriate support is available throughout the event.

Organisers said the aim is to make sure everyone knows where to turn if they need help, whether they are feeling unwell, worried about a friend, experiencing a welfare concern, feeling vulnerable or simply unsure where to seek advice.

Boardmasters said trained welfare, safeguarding, medical and specialist support staff will be available around the clock across the festival site, with many attendees only a short walk from assistance.

The support network includes 24-hour welfare services incorporating mental health practitioners, safeguarding professionals and medical clinicians.

A dedicated team from the Sexual Assault Referral Centres service (SARSAS) will also be available throughout the festival to provide specialist support for anyone affected by sexual violence, harassment or domestic abuse, whether connected to the festival or from elsewhere in their lives.

Organisers said a dedicated safeguarding team made up of trained safeguarding officers will also be in place and can be contacted through any festival service on site. They said welfare, safeguarding and medical teams work together to ensure concerns are dealt with appropriately and escalated quickly where necessary.

Boardmasters said its support extends beyond the festival itself, with year-round engagement through school visits, educational initiatives and webinars designed to provide information and guidance for parents and guardians before the event.

Festival Director Rob Spring said many of the services being highlighted had been part of Boardmasters for a number of years.

"Our approach is guided by a simple principle - providing the standard of care that we would want available for ourselves, our friends and our families," he said.

"While we cannot single-handedly solve the societal challenges that exist beyond the festival gates, we can ensure that the right people, expertise and support are in place should anyone need them.

"No issue is too big or too small, and we will continue to prioritise and invest in creating an environment where people feel supported, respected and confident that help is available whenever they may need it, without fear or judgement."

Boardmasters said it hopes increasing awareness of the support available will encourage attendees to seek help whenever they need it and provide reassurance to parents and guardians about the welfare arrangements in place during the festival.