Ethical and Legal Guidelines

It is the aim in all activities to provide a safe space for all participants. Although the activities are not necessarily a place to share personal details, it may become so for some participants. Participants, where they share thoughts, experiences or other. It is so important as a link worker and culture and arts facilitator to emphasis to all participants, that sensitive information should not be shared outside the group. Also, some participants may wish for confidentiality about their participation in the programmes. Therefore, it is important to respect these wishes when taking photos, and videos. It is the link worker’s responsibility to raise awareness and to intervene should these issues arise before they become an ethical breach of confidentiality.

AoP activities should not lean towards any religious or ideological beliefs as AoP programmes are neutral-based regards religion and politics. AoP programmes do not discriminate therefore all activities should be designed to be inclusive of all backgrounds, nationalities, beliefs and gender.

Therefore, it is not appropriate for the activities to involve praying or revealing political opinions. The link worker and the culture and arts facilitator should be in agreement on this point when preparing the activities structure and content. 

Participation in an activity and the overall AoP programme, is voluntary and is not in accordance with the payment or non-payments of social welfare benefits. It should be made clear to potential participants they have the right to decline the offer of participating in the programme. This is also valid for single activities; the participant should be aware they may be absent or inactive in a certain activity if they find it too challenging or triggering.

Referral channels need to be informed of this principle, in order to avoid situations where participants are under the impression the programme is mandatory, so they can receive social welfare benefits/mental healthcare.

An exception of this rule may apply in the event where a social or health insurance service is funding the AoP programme and may require a certain level of participation for reimbursement of costs relating to the programme. In this case, it should be clearly communicated in advance to the referral channels and the participant. 

AoP programmes aims to provide a safe environment for all involved in the programme, this includes not only the participants, but also the link worker and the culture and arts facilitator.

Therefore, the link worker informs all participants before signing up for the programme, that all activities are alcohol and substance free. Participants are also made aware if they are under the influence of alcohol or other substances on arrival to an activity, they will not be permitted to participate. However, the link worker/culture and art facilitator should be non-judgmental, diplomatic and sensitive in their communication with the participant, as well as assist the participant as best they can.

The same goes for culture and arts facilitators, it is not permitted to be under the influence of alcohol or other substances when facilitating AoP activities. In the event this occurs the link worker will either find an alternative facilitator or cancel the activity. A discussion regarding further collaboration will take place at another time. 

Everyone involved in the programme should be aware that before, during and after AoP activities, are alcohol and substance free environments. Therefore, it is not appropriate to serve alcohol during cooking or communal eating or other programme activities.

These measures are applicable, so everyone feels safe and comfortable attending the activities. Additionally, it is intended that participants who may be dealing with previous or present substance use are not exposed, and it may give them the opportunity to ask help.

Link workers and culture and arts facilitators can develop a close relationship with participants throughout the course of an AoP programme cycle. However, it is important to establish and maintain healthy boundaries throughout the programme.

Healthy boundaries can include for example the link worker and culture and arts facilitators are not accessible outside of working hours or provide support beyond his/her role. Link workers and culture and arts facilitators can receive training regarding their role and tasks in the programme. Read more about Train the Trainers HERE. Alternatively speak with your leader regarding tools or practical course in how to set healthy and professional boundaries.

Likewise, it is not appropriate for link workers or culture and arts facilitators to contact participants outside of the programme’s framework.

All the above principles apply equally to children and other vulnerable groups, for example people with intellectual disabilities. Particular caution and duty of care is needed to ensure vulnerable participants are able to give informed consent in joining an AoP programme. AoP activities for children should be organised in cooperation with parents, guardians and/or schools to ensure their safety and suitability.