BAC JOINS FORCES WITH NSPCC TO LAUNCH HELPLINE

The British Athletes Commission (BAC), the independent body that represents and supports the

interests of all British athletes, has today partnered with the National Society for the Prevention of

Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) to launch a helpline that will support athletes’ concerns of abuse in

British Gymnastics.

The free and confidential helpline follows many current and retired gymnasts bravely speaking out

about concerns of bullying and abuse. Staffed by independent, trained NSPCC counsellors, the

helpline will offer support and guidance for children and young people or anyone involved with

gymnastics who has safeguarding concerns–acting as a single point of contact for individuals to

lodge their concerns, regardless of whether they are funded athletes, former funded athletes,

community-level athletes or parents. The helpline is also a safe space for any further

whistleblowing and will offer athletes the opportunity to input into the recently announced

Independent Review at the appropriate time.

The dedicated NSPCC Helpline is the first component of the newly-established Athlete Support

Unit being set up by the BAC, following the recent series of allegations. The Unit, which, once fully

up and running, will offer full administrative and welfare support to those cases referred to it, will

provide end-to-end support to athletes and families affected by the allegations of abuse.

The helpline, which launched at 9am in the UK today, will be available 8am-10pm on weekdays

and 9am-6pm on weekends on 0800 056 0566. Trained staff will offer support, advice and

guidance, and will refer cases on to other agencies as appropriate, including the police.

The BAC’s Head of Athlete Support, Sam Little said: "We applaud the bravery and courage of those

who have spoken up and shared their experiences. Abuse has absolutely no place in modern-day

sport, and that’s why, with the launch of the helpline today, we are unveiling what is just the first

step in our ambitious package of athlete support measures.

"We want to provide a safe place for athletes and others to come forward and seek support and

advice. We recognise how difficult it is to speak out and we know some are fearful to do so.

Anyone who has experienced or is experiencing abuse in gymnastics, or who has concerns about

the welfare of any gymnast should call this NSPCC helpline – by doing so, you are helping make

sport a safer, more welcoming place for the athletes of tomorrow."

The NSPCC Chief Executive, Peter Wanless said: "The reports emerging from gymnastics in recent

weeks have been extremely disturbing – so, with the BAC, we’ve launched this dedicated helpline

as it is absolutely vital that anyone who has suffered abuse has the opportunity to speak out and

get the help they need.

"We would also urge anyone involved in gymnastics who has safeguarding concerns to contact the

helpline in the knowledge that they will be listened to. We are grateful to the BAC for their

support and commitment in setting up this important service."

The BAC will release further details of its Athlete Support Unit at a later date. BAC members can,

in the meantime, continue to raise concerns directly with the BAC Athlete Support team via

support@britishathletes.org and a member of the team will make contact.

25 Years at #1: Your best source of news about the Olympics is www.aroundtherings.com, for subscribers only