Safeguarding
Staying safe while helping
Neighbourly is an open noticeboard, so please take the same care you would with any new contact. A few simple habits keep everyone safe.
The essentials
Five habits that keep everyone safe
Read these before you post a request or offer help for the first time.
Protect your personal details
- Never publish your full address, phone number or date of birth in a listing.
- Share your address only once you're comfortable with the person helping.
- Use a first name or nickname on your listing if you'd prefer.
Be careful with money
- Never send money, gift cards or bank details to someone you've just met online.
- Neighbourly never asks for payment, and no helper should ask for a fee up front.
- For financial support requests, prefer help in kind (shopping, a meal, a bill paid directly) where possible.
Meeting in person
- Tell a friend or family member where you're going and who you're meeting.
- For a first meeting, choose a public place or ask someone to be with you at home.
- It's always okay to change your mind or end a visit early.
Helping someone vulnerable
- Be patient, be clear about what you can and can't do, and don't over-promise.
- Don't handle someone's bank card, PIN or cash unless a family member is involved.
- If you're worried about someone's immediate safety, contact the emergency services.
Reporting a concern
- Report any listing or message that feels exploitative, abusive or fraudulent.
- Our moderators review reports and can remove listings and accounts.
- In an emergency in the UK, always call 999 first.
Something not right?
Tell our moderation team — we read every message, and safeguarding reports are triaged the same day.