top of page
Team Obstacle Support

PRIMARY SUPPORT

PRIMARY SUPPORT – EARLY INTERVENTION

Primary Support is designed for moments before crisis.

​

Many people live with daily fear, uncertainty, or unease long before a situation becomes an emergency. They may not feel unsafe enough to call the police, social services, or a crisis line — but something doesn’t feel right.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                
 

Primary Support exists for:

  • early warning signs

  • ongoing worry

  • confusion about what is “normal” or “serious”

  • fear of overreacting

  • fear of making things worse

  • We provide calm, confidential guidance to help people understand their situation and take safe, informed steps at the right time.

How we help

Across all Primary Support areas, we:

  • Listen without judgement

  • Help people put words to what they’re experiencing

  • Explain risks in a clear, non-alarming way

  • Help people think through options safely

  • Support decision-making at the person’s pace

  • Avoid forcing action unless someone is in immediate danger

  • We are not the police and do not automatically escalate concerns.
    Our role is to support understanding and safety, not enforcement.
     

Domestic Abuse Concerns

The reality people face

​

Domestic abuse is not always obvious or violent.

Many people live with:

  • constant anxiety around someone’s mood

  • feeling controlled, monitored, or criticised

  • fear of upsetting someone

  • being isolated from friends or family

  • confusion about whether their experience “counts” as abuse
     

People often delay seeking help because:

  • they don’t want to label it as abuse

  • they fear consequences if they speak out

  • they worry about children, housing, or finances

  • they feel ashamed or unsure
     

How we help


We help individuals:

  • talk through what is happening in their daily life

  • understand patterns of control, coercion, or harm

  • recognise early warning signs

  • think about safety without pressure

  • explore options confidentially

We do:

  • help people understand risk

  • support safety planning

  • explain support pathways when they feel ready

  • This service is open to any gender and any age, including people supporting a friend or family member.

We do not:

  • tell people what to do

  • force reporting

  • rush decisions
     

SAFEGUARDING WORRIES

The reality people face

Safeguarding concerns often begin as a feeling:

  • “Something doesn’t feel right”

  • “I’m worried but don’t know if it’s serious”

  • “I don’t want to get someone in trouble”

  • “What if I’m wrong?”

WhatsApp Image 2025-12-05 at 03.58.22_949485aa.jpg

Fear often stops people from acting:

  • fear of overreacting

  • fear of damaging relationships

  • fear of social services involvement

  • fear of consequences

People may notice:

  • changes in behaviour

  • withdrawal or distress

  • unexplained injuries

  • risky relationships

  • neglect or lack of support

HOW WE HELP

We provide a safe space to:

  • talk through concerns calmly

  • understand safeguarding principles

  • identify whether concerns are low, medium, or high risk

  • clarify what action (if any) is appropriate

  • explore options without immediate escalation

We help people understand:

  • when to monitor

  • when to seek advice

  • when to escalate

  • how safeguarding systems work

  • We support informed decision-making, not panic responses.

Knife Crime & Exploitation Concerns

The reality people face

Knife crime and exploitation concerns often involve:

  • fear for a child or young person

  • peer pressure or gang influence

  • grooming or coercion

  • sudden behaviour changes

  • secrecy, anger, or withdrawal

Families often feel:

  • scared but powerless

  • unsure who to talk to

  • worried about criminalisation

  • afraid of making things worse
     

Young people may feel:

  • trapped

  • pressured

  • scared to speak openly

  • misunderstood

HOW WE HELP

We focus on early intervention and prevention.

We help individuals and families:

  • understand risk factors

  • recognise early signs of exploitation

  • think about safety strategies

  • improve communication

  • explore support routes before involvement escalates

  • We do not criminalise concerns.

  • We do not default to enforcement.

We aim to:

  • reduce harm

  • increase understanding

  • support safe, preventative action

Emotional Wellbeing & Confidence

The reality people face

Many people seeking Primary Support feel:

  • anxious or overwhelmed

  • mentally exhausted

  • stuck in fear or indecision

  • unable to think clearly

  • worried they’re “coping badly”
     

These feelings often come from:

  • unsafe environments

  • ongoing stress

  • uncertainty about the future

  • unresolved safeguarding concerns

​

HOW WE HELP

We provide:

  • a calm space to talk

  • reassurance without minimising concerns

  • support to organise thoughts

  • confidence-building through clarity

  • help identifying next steps

This is not therapy

It is early emotional support focused on:

  • stabilising stress

  • reducing panic

  • supporting decision-making

  • Emotional wellbeing support often helps people feel strong enough to take the next safe step.

bottom of page