Crisis Response & Safeguarding Policy

Draft v0.1 — 6 November 2026 — for review before publication

If someone's life is in immediate danger, call 000 now. For 24/7 crisis support, call Lifeline on 13 11 14 (or text 0477 13 11 14), the Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467 or MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78.

1. Why this policy exists

PAPASITO is a peer community. We support each other's mental health through joy, connection and brotherhood. Sometimes a brother will be going through something serious. This policy makes sure that when that happens, we respond calmly, safely and quickly, and connect him with professional help.

It applies to the founder, crew leaders, volunteers and members, at events and in all PAPASITO online spaces.

2. What PAPASITO is, and isn't

• We are a peer-support community: brothers who listen, check in, and show up.
• We are not a crisis service, a counselling service or a medical provider.
• Crew leaders are not counsellors or clinicians, and are not expected to act as one.
• Our chats and channels are not monitored 24/7.

We say this openly so that no one relies on PAPASITO in place of professional or emergency care.

3. Our commitments

• Every crew leader completes an accredited Mental Health First Aid course (or equivalent) before leading a crew, and refreshes it every three years.
• Up-to-date helpline details are displayed on our website, in group chats and at events.
• We take every concern seriously. We'd rather check in and be wrong than stay silent.
• We look after the people who help. Leaders who support someone through a crisis get a debrief and support afterwards.

4. Warning signs to look out for

Someone may need extra support if he:

• talks about feeling hopeless, trapped, a burden, or having no reason to live
• talks about wanting to die or to harm himself, or about having a plan
• withdraws suddenly from his crew, family or activities, or goes quiet
• shows big changes in mood, sleep, drinking or drug use, or behaviour
• is going through a major loss: a relationship, job, financial blow, health diagnosis or bereavement
• gives away possessions, says goodbye, or settles affairs unexpectedly

None of these mean a crisis is certain. They're a signal to check in.

5. How to respond

A. Immediate danger

If someone has harmed himself, is about to, or is in danger right now:

1. Call 000 (police, ambulance).
2. Stay with him, or stay on the phone, if it's safe for you to do so.
3. Don't put yourself in danger.
4. Let the founder or your crew leader know as soon as you can.

B. You're worried, but there's no immediate danger

1. Ask directly and privately. For example: "Mate, I've noticed you've been doing it tough. Are you thinking about suicide?" Asking directly does not put the idea in someone's head; it shows you care and opens the door.
2. Listen without judging or trying to fix everything.
3. Connect him with help. Offer to sit with him while he calls Lifeline, the Suicide Call Back Service, MensLine or his GP, or help him book an appointment.
4. Agree on next steps. Who will check in, and when?
5. Follow up. Check in within 24–48 hours.
6. Tell the founder or a crew leader so he isn't relying on one person, and so you're supported too.

C. Online

If a message in a PAPASITO chat or channel suggests someone may be at risk:

1. Reach out to him privately straight away, by phone if possible.
2. If you believe there's an immediate risk and can't reach him, call 000 with whatever details you have.
3. Alert the founder or a moderator.
4. Moderators may hide a post temporarily to protect the person's privacy, and will always check on him directly.

6. Confidentiality and its limits

We keep what members share confidential. The exception is safety. If we reasonably believe someone is at serious risk of harm to himself or others, we may share necessary information with:

• emergency services
• his nominated emergency contact
• the founder or crew leader coordinating support

We share only what is needed to keep people safe, consistent with our Privacy Policy. Wherever possible we tell the person first.

7. Risk of harm to others

If someone discloses a risk of harm to others, including family violence or harm to a child:

• If anyone is in immediate danger, call 000.
• Tell the founder, who will decide on next steps, which may include reporting to police or child protection authorities.
• Support services include the Men's Referral Service (1300 766 491) for men worried about their own behaviour, and 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) for people affected by family violence.

8. Children at family events

• Children at PAPASITO events are the responsibility of their own parent or carer at all times.
• Members should never be alone with a child who is not their own.
• Any concern about a child's safety must be reported to the founder immediately.
• Anyone leading youth-facing activities in future must hold a valid Working with Children Check.

9. Recording and reviewing incidents

• After a serious incident, the founder records a brief factual note: what happened, what action was taken, and follow-up. It is stored securely with restricted access.
• No clinical notes are kept.
• Serious incidents are reviewed, without blame, to see what we can do better.

10. Looking after our helpers

Supporting someone in crisis is heavy. Anyone who has helped will be offered:

• a debrief with the founder or a senior crew leader
• information about support services, including free counselling via MensLine and Beyond Blue
• time out from leader duties if they need it

11. Support services

Numbers checked November 2026. Review this list every six months.

12. Review

This policy is reviewed at least every 12 months, and after any serious incident.

Policy owner: [Founder name], PAPASITO · [hello@papasito.com.au]