CP Safeguarding- Safeguarding for Everyone: A Guide for Neurodivergent and Disabled Creatives
CP Safeguarding
Safeguarding for Everyone: A Guide for Neurodivergent and Disabled Creatives
Creative Portal is a space where everyone should feel safe, welcome, and able to be themselves. We believe that creativity doesn’t have one shape, one voice, or one way of thinking. It comes from all kinds of minds—and that’s what makes it so powerful.
This guide is here to help neurodivergent and disabled users (and the families, friends, and adults who support them) stay safe, confident, and supported when creating and sharing online.
Who This Is For People with autism, ADHD, dyslexia, dyspraxia, or who are neurodivergent in other ways People with physical disabilities, long-term health conditions, or learning differences Anyone who finds communication, boundaries, or online spaces overwhelming or confusing Parents, carers, and adults who want to support someone safely and respectfully.
What Is Safeguarding? Safeguarding means protecting your right to be safe, respected, and supported. It means helping you avoid harm—and knowing how to get help when you need it.
On Creative Portal, this includes: Staying safe from online bullying, harassment, or abuse Knowing your boundaries—and having others respect them. Understanding what’s okay to share publicly. Knowing who to talk to if something doesn’t feel right. Feeling heard and included, not overlooked.
What Can Feel Unsafe? You might feel unsure or unsafe if: Someone makes a joke or comment that feels mean, ableist, or cruel. You’re being sent messages that feel confusing or too personal. You’re asked to share private details or photos. You feel ignored, left out, or targeted because of your disability. The platform feels too fast, noisy, or overwhelming to use. Your comfort matters. You’re allowed to pause, block, ask questions, or get help.
Self-Help Steps You Can Take
1. Listen to your feelings If something online makes you feel upset, stressed, or confused—that’s okay. You don’t need to ignore it. Take a break. Breathe. Come back when you're ready.
2. Use your options Block or mute anyone who doesn’t respect your space Use report buttons if someone is being unkind or unsafe. Adjust settings to make the site more comfortable for you.
Tip: You can write down or save short messages to use when you feel unsure, like: “I need a break.” “Please don’t message me like that again.” “That made me uncomfortable.”
3. Keep a safety journal Whether you prefer typing, drawing, voice notes, or bullet points—having a safe place to record how you're feeling or what happened can help you figure out next steps.
You're Not Alone: Where to Get Support If you're struggling, confused, or feel something isn’t right, please talk to someone you trust. A parent or carer, A teacher, youth worker, or support worker Or contact Creative Portal directly at: 📧 safeguarding@creativeportal.co.uk
Trusted Organisations That Can Help. These groups understand disability, neurodivergence, and your right to be safe:
National Autistic Society- Information, support, and helplines for autistic people and their families.
Ambitious About Autism- Creative, youth-focused resources and advocacy for autistic young people.
Scope- Disability advice, online safety, and help understanding your rights.
Contact- Support and information for families of children with disabilities or additional needs.
YoungMinds- Mental health support with content for neurodivergent and disabled youth.
Share with confidence: Use a nickname or username that protects your privacy. Add a watermark or signature to your creative work. Share only what feels right for you—no pressure. Use simple captions if too much text is overwhelming.
Avoid: Giving your full name, school, or location. Responding to pressure to reveal personal info or photos. Reposting someone else’s work without credit or permission. Your creativity is yours to control. You don’t owe anyone access to your story, your work, or your identity.
Final Thoughts
Everyone deserves to feel safe, welcome, and respected—especially online. If you're neurodivergent, disabled, or face other access needs, your safety and comfort are a priority, not an afterthought.
Creative Portal is built to celebrate you—not change you. If you need help, we’re here. And if you're ready to support others, you're part of making this space kinder for everyone.
Need Support? Reach out any time: safeguarding@creativeportal.co.uk Or explore one of the support organisations listed above for advice that meets your needs.
