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Astronomy for Mental Health and Well-being

4. Module 3: Risks and Considerations

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this module you will be able to:

  1. Run a short five minute risk scan before any activity

  2. Put simple safeguards in place using predict, prevent, and prepare

  3. Recognize red flags and know when to refer participants for professional support

1. Why Safeguarding Matters

Astronomy activities can inspire awe and joy, but they may also surface strong emotions or practical risks. One person may feel calm under the night sky, while another may feel overwhelmed. Outdoor sessions deepen connection with nature, yet they bring challenges such as uneven ground, cold weather, or sudden changes in conditions.

Safeguarding is not about restricting activities. It is about creating conditions where participants feel safe enough to explore awe, perspective, and connection.

Reflection Prompt: Recall a time you joined a group activity outdoors. What small things made you feel safe and comfortable?

2. The 3P Model

A simple model helps you anticipate and manage risks.

  1. Predict: Ask what could go wrong for this group, in this place, with this plan.

  2. Prevent: Adjust content, roles, and logistics to reduce risks before they occur.

  3. Prepare: Have scripts, supplies, and referral contacts ready in case something does happen.

Once you have a plan, the next step is to scan the session environment quickly and systematically.

3. The Five Minute Risk Scan

Before each session, pause and scan across five areas. This should take no more than five minutes.

  1. Psychological
    Could the content bring up strong emotions such as thoughts of mortality or trauma reminders
    Provide a content notice, allow opt outs, and include grounding breaks

  2. Group dynamics
    Might some feel anxious about speaking or could others dominate
    Set a group agreement, use small groups or pairs, and invite quieter voices

  3. Physical and outdoor
    Are there hazards such as uneven terrain, poor lighting, or wildlife
    Walk the site, check the weather, bring torches, and carry a first aid kit

  4. Cultural and context
    Could your framing cause misunderstanding or resistance
    Involve local partners, use familiar stories, and respect privacy

  5. Accessibility and legal
    Is the activity safe for minors and people with different abilities
    Provide accessible seating, follow safeguarding rules, and minimise data collection

Practice Task: Choose one upcoming activity and run through these five areas. Which colour rating would you give each: red for urgent, amber for moderate, green for low

4. Safeguards in Practice

Before the session

  • Ask about access needs and mobility

  • Share a short content notice

  • Assign clear roles such as facilitator, safety lead, well-being contact

  • Check logistics and backup plans

  • Prepare essentials such as blankets, water, torches, first aid kit, and incident forms

During the session

  • Begin with a group agreement

  • Watch for signs of distress such as confusion, withdrawal, or agitation

  • Offer grounding exercises if needed

  • Balance voices and remind participants that passing is always an option

After the session

  • Debrief on what worked and what was difficult

  • Share local support contacts

  • Record incidents factually and store them securely

Practical safeguards create stability in the session. Clear scripts can make responding in the moment easier.

5. Quick Scripts

Content notice

“Some people feel awe or big questions when looking at the night sky. You are free to participate, adjust, or step aside at any time. If anything feels off, please speak to me or another facilitator.”

Pause, Protect, Refer

  • Pause: Lower your voice and breathe together

  • Protect: Move to a quieter spot, offer water, guide a short grounding exercise

  • Refer: Suggest connecting with a local support service if needed

Managing group tension
“Let us pause. Our agreement was one voice at a time. We will return to short turns so everyone has space.”

Scripts help in sensitive moments. Outdoor activities also require specific care.

6. Outdoor Safety

  • Walk the site to identify hazards and exit routes

  • Check weather and advise on clothing

  • Use red lights rather than bright white torches

  • Brief participants on equipment and supervise its use

  • Use a buddy system and headcounts

  • Coordinate with site staff or rangers where possible

With safety addressed, it is also important to be clear on ethical limits.

7. Ethical Boundaries

  • Clarify that the activity is not therapy

  • Maintain confidentiality, but break it if safety is at risk

  • Gain informed consent for participation, with separate consent for photos or data

  • Collect only minimal data and store it securely

Clear boundaries make it easier to know when professional help is required.

8. Knowing When to Refer

Seek professional help immediately if you observe:

  • Talk of suicide or self harm

  • Threats of harm to others

  • Acute psychosis

  • Uncontrolled panic

  • Collapse or injury

Critical reminder: Never leave a person in crisis alone.

Referral is only part of adapting. Activities also need to fit the needs of specific groups.

9. Tailoring for Audiences

Children and teens
Shorter sessions, movement breaks, simple grounding, guardian consent

Adults
Normalize stress, offer one small values based next step

Older adults
Provide seating, warmth, toilets, and slower pacing

Displaced or refugee groups
Co-facilitate with community leaders, create quiet spaces, be trauma-aware

Specific conditions
Provide structure for anxiety, small wins for depression, avoid abstract cosmic themes for psychosis or dissociation, consult a clinician if needed

Tailoring for the group is important, and so is tailoring for the culture and context.

10. Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity

  • Work with local educators or elders

  • Use plain and respectful language

  • Check for sensitive themes, dates, or symbols to avoid

  • Default to no photos unless explicit consent is given

Cultural sensitivity builds trust. Templates can then help standardize practice and reduce mistakes.

11. Templates and Tools

Screening questions

  • Do you have any access needs such as mobility or lighting sensitivity

  • Are there any topics you would prefer we avoid

  • Who can we contact in case of an emergency

Group agreement

  • Participate at your own pace

  • One voice at a time

  • Passing is always okay

  • Keep others’ stories private

  • Ask for help when needed

Incident note

  • What happened, when, and where

  • Actions taken

  • Who was informed

  • Next steps

  • Store securely

Templates reduce mental load and allow facilitators to focus on people rather than paperwork.

Final Reflection

Safeguarding is about creating conditions where people can explore awe and perspective without fear. By predicting, preventing, and preparing, you give participants the freedom to connect with the night sky and with each other, knowing they are supported.

Reflection Prompt: Think about your own practice. Which one safeguard will you commit to using in your very next session?