Safeguarding
Last updated: September 2026
Return Well is not an emergency or crisis service.
We don't provide crisis support, and our messages, chat and portals aren't monitored around the clock. If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.
Before a case is allocated
We review every referral before we select a clinician, including any risk information the employer or referrer has given us. We take it into account when choosing the clinician and when deciding whether our service is right for the situation.
If a clinician identifies an immediate or serious risk
The clinicians who carry out assessments are registered professionals with their own safeguarding duties. If they identify an immediate or serious risk during an assessment, they act on those duties straight away, without waiting for approval from Return Well. That may include contacting emergency services or the appropriate urgent NHS or crisis service.
They then record what they did and let Return Well know as soon as practicable.
Other concerns
Concerns that aren't immediate, and any risk flags raised during a case, are escalated to Return Well under our safeguarding process. We review them and decide on the right next steps with the clinician.
Sharing information to keep someone safe
We share information only where it's needed to protect someone, and in line with the law and professional guidance.
If you or someone you know needs help now
999
If someone is in immediate danger or it's an emergency. You can also go to A&E.
Samaritans: 116 123
Free, from anywhere in the UK, day or night.
Urgent NHS help
For urgent help that isn't an emergency, contact your GP or your local NHS urgent or mental health crisis service. The route differs across the UK: in England and Wales you can call NHS 111, in Scotland NHS 24 on 111, and in Northern Ireland your GP or GP out-of-hours service.
Raising a safeguarding concern with us
For a concern that isn't urgent, contact Return Well's safeguarding process by emailing support@returnwell.co.uk with “Safeguarding” in the subject. We read messages during working hours, Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, so please don't use email for anything urgent.