Phone: 01825 769000 | Email: info@springharvest.org

Exhibition

Welcome to the Spring Harvest Team

We're really excited about all that God will do at Spring Harvest this year and we trust that you are too!
We hope you will enjoy the experience and we pray you will know God's leading and guiding as you serve your organisation in this way.

We would also ask that you take time to read through this information – much of it is new for 2025.

Spring Harvest is working towards the removal of barriers that prohibit disabled guests from full participation and inclusion in the event.   Please look out for guests who may need extra help.   

  • Read more about our provision for guests with a disability.
  • Watch our Disability Access Video below.
  • Read our A Welcoming Place for Disabled People guide below. 
  • Read our Understanding Autism Guidelines below.

The following links take you to some important information which we encourage you to read in preparation for your role at Spring Harvest.

  • Disability Access Video
  • A Welcoming Place for Disabled People
  • Understanding Autism

A Welcoming Place for Disabled People

Welcoming is an important Christian ministry in a world where disabled people often find a
lack of inclusion. A warm welcome embodies the Christian message.

Never assume anything; always ask the disabled person.

  • Speak directly to the disabled person, not to someone with them
  • Introduce yourself by name as one of the welcome team
  • Offer to help; don’t be offended by refusal, or help without asking
  • Reserve your own accessible bays for blue Badge holders
  • Reserve seats (with arms if possible) by the entrance for people who can’t walk far
  • If there is a queuing system, please be aware that some people may have difficulty standing and may need to ‘jump the queue’
  • Enable disabled people to sit where and with whom they wish
  • Ask people whether they would like any assistance. Remember – not every disability is visible
  • Ensure people know where the toilets are and don’t need to ask
  • Stand in good light for lip-readers & partially sighted people
  • Give eye contact where possible, although be aware that for some people eye contact is not possible, or will be avoided
  • Be patient – some people take longer to respond, especially if they have difficulty speaking
  • Give help discreetly. Don’t make the person feel conspicuous
  • For visually impaired people, offer assistance in finding a place to sit and introducing them to neighbours.
  • Don’t guide a visually impaired person from behind – let them take your arm
  • Offer visually impaired people large print/braille literature
  • Don’t hurry a speech impaired person, be relaxed and positive
  • Don’t finish people’s sentences
  • Speak clearly, not loudly to hearing impaired people
  • Ensure your face and mouth can be clearly seen
  • Look at hearing impaired people directly and speak normally
  • Shouting or exaggerating speech is not helpful to lip-readers
  • Don’t lean on a wheelchair or move it unless the user asks you. Sit down to talk at eye-level if possible
  • Try to ensure a wheelchair user can sit where they wish and with whom they wish
  • If people block a wheelchair user’s view, politely ask them to sit down
  • Use plain, not childish language with learning disabled people

Don’t assume. Always ask.

Understanding Autism Guidelines

Autism is a ‘Neurodiversity’, one of many other neurodiversity’s.  An autistic person is referred to as being ‘Neurodivergent’. Being autistic is not all negative, there can be many positives too!

There are lots of myths surrounding autism, such as:

  • It is a learning disability. It isn’t, but some may have an associated learning disability.
  • They have no compassion. They do, but it can be overwhelming and physically hurt.
  • You can always tell. No, you can’t. Even those who diagnose autism can miss it! Many autistic people are lawyers, doctors, engineers, teachers, ministers and more. Many are married with a family. Not all are math’s or art geniuses, but they may have a special interest and excel in that area.
  • Some are badly autistic and some mildly affected. This isn’t the case (see diagram below). How autism affects people isn’t linear, everyone is different. Sometimes you can’t see how autism affects an individual because they have become so good at masking the effects.
  • They are just badly behaved. Behaviour is rarely the issue. The environment around autistic people can sometimes cause a noticeable struggle. Some will refer to this as brain melt or a ‘meltdown’, where a time of regulation will be needed to recover. Some autistic people have learnt how to mask the impact of sensory overload, others will stim to help with regulating how their bodies react to things; this could be repeating a word, counting rocking, tapping, flapping or using a sensory toy. Each person will have their own way to regulate how they are coping.
  • You can grow out of it. No, an autistic person will always be autistic.

Many of our guests are autistic. They will choose where they are most comfortable to be, especially in the evening celebrations. Being able to walk around venues beforehand might be helpful and they may need information to inform that choice. The Disability Consultant will be able to help with this.

Seminars and workshops: There may not be any issues, but lots of movement, inconsistent lighting and repeating sounds may make things difficult. Don’t be surprised if some walk around to find the best place, or opt to walk up and down at the back. Some may ask for notes to help them follow what is being said (listening is hard with the constant whir of the heating in some venues). The tech teams in the venues will know the quieter spots in their venue, so ask their advice.

Questions may be blunt and precise; give clear and concise answers.

Across the resort: If an autistic person becomes overwhelmed and distressed in an area where you can help, having lots of people offer help can be even more overwhelming. So, make sure only one person supports quietly and with as little intrusion as possible. Some autistic people carry a card with instructions that they will place next to them.

Eye contact is often painful and social pleasantries may not be top of their agenda.

Families who have autistic children: Having an autistic child is not a tragedy. But lots of people see the struggles and assume it is. Some will assume an autistic child’s behaviour is just naughty. Some might see a smile and assume the behaviour is deliberate, but in a meltdown a smile is not what it seems.   If you see a family struggling, gently offer help and reassurance, especially if there are other children with them and a child is running away due to overload. If you are able to hang around and make sure they are not crowded, please do, but don’t make a big thing of it.

Praying with Autistic people: The best starting line is “What do you want prayer for”. Don’t assume. The majority of autistic people would find the offer of prayer for healing offensive, and for good reason. Some may want prayer for aspects of their autism that are a struggle at that time, but like any other people they will want prayer for all sorts of things to do with their faith, their family and their work.

Do not use touch or give consistent eye contact. Pray precisely for what was asked for and nothing else, but feel free to ask if there was anything else.

For parents of autistic children, again, they may not want prayer for healing but rather for specific struggles - for them or their child. It’s fine to pray for the faith of their child!

 NOTE: ‘Autistic person’ is the preferred language of the majority of autistic people, and not ‘a person with autism’. Face to face we should use the preference of individuals - which may occasionally differ - and not try to correct them.

Please click on the button below to read the code of conduct

Spring Harvest adheres to the Evangelical Alliance basis of faith.

Please click on the link (EA Basis of Faith) to read. The link will open in a new tab.

Contact After the Event

  • Team members are not permitted to maintain contact with any child or youth, or any adult with care and support needs following the event, without the consent of the parent or legal guardian and permission from Spring Harvest’s Event Safeguarding Officer.
  • If such contact is agreed with a parent or legal guardian, it must be made clear that the team member is no longer acting on behalf of Spring Harvest.

Data Protection

  • If you are asked to collect personal information about any guest while at the event, ensure it is kept secure. You should not collect names and contact details of guests for your own purposes.
  • Any team member's contact details provided to you by Spring Harvest should only be used for contact relating to the event.
  • Read our Privacy Policy

Disclaimer

  • Everything you hear at Spring Harvest, whether from the stage, in conversation or in prayer, should be weighed with care. Essential Christian and Spring Harvest do not necessarily endorse everything that is said and cannot take responsibility for any emotional impact or for actions or decisions made as a result.
  • A wide range of ideas and opinions will be expressed through our diverse guests and team, so we ask everyone to exercise individual consideration in response.
  • We recommend seeking clarifying counsel in a setting where you are known, such as your local church, prior to taking things to heart or making decisions based on what you have heard.

Electrical Equipment

  • Any electrical equipment over 12 months old that plugs into a 13-amp socket must be Electrical Equipment Tested (EET) before being used at Spring Harvest. Most qualified electricians are able to do this.

Event Programme

  • The event programme will be available just before the event, free of charge on My Spring Harvest. Sign up or login here,
  • Familiarise yourself with the programme and resort map before you arrive.
  • Plan your time off to make the most of your Spring Harvest experience.

Guests

  • Guests come from a wide range of denominational backgrounds.
  • We aim to respect and affirm the local church in all we do and therefore great care and sensitivity needs to be exercised by all team members around theological "hot potatoes".
  • Guests should be directed to the My Spring Harvest stand if they have any queries or concerns.

Insurance

  • Spring Harvest has Public and Employers Liability Insurance covering all team members.
  • Although Spring Harvest is a Christian event, there may be people who take advantage of the high level of trust.
  • There is no insurance cover for items left unsecured or unattended and no lockable storage facilities.
  • Please always keep valuables with you
  • It is your responsibility to insure any equipment, instruments and personal effects against loss and damage.
  • If you are not able to arrange insurance yourself, Spring Harvest may be able to arrange cover for equipment specifically required for the programme, but only if this is arranged before the event.

Left Luggage

  • Left luggage is situated in Starfish Quay, next to Resort Safety in Skegness.  Please be aware of their opening hours.
  • There is no left luggage facility in Minehead.
  • Items are left unattended at your own risk.

Lost Property

  • Lost property should be handed into Butlin's Main Gate (open 24 hours).
  • It will then be passed on to the Resort Safety Office for storage until reclaimed.

Health & Safety overrides all other considerations.

Spring Harvest is committed to ensuring that you and all our guests stay healthy and safe whilst at the event. Please play your part in keeping the resort and the event a safe place for everyone and let us know immediately if you have any concerns about your safety, or that of another team member or guest.

Help us Control Infection

We hope you remain healthy during your time with us, but if you do feel unwell it is important, we know straight away. 

  • We need to avoid the spread of infection.
  • Butlin's have strict rules to prevent illness from spreading round the resort and we are committed to following their procedures.
  • If you have been exposed to a severe infection, sickness or diarrhoea, or you have experienced known symptoms of a contagious disease, including fever, a new persistent cough or loss of taste or smell in the days leading up to Spring Harvest, please contact us for advice before you leave home.
  • If you feel unwell, or suffer from fever, vomiting or diarrhoea whilst at Spring Harvest, return to your accommodation immediately and telephone the Team Office. Remain in your accommodation until you are advised to leave by the Spring Harvest Team Office or Butlin’s.  Meals will be brought to you.
  • If someone who is sharing your accommodation is sick, vacate immediately and contact the Team Office, by phone, for advice.
  • Please observe good personal hygiene and bring your own bottle of hand sanitiser.

Event Team Office Phone Numbers

01825 705201 or 01825 705202

First Aid

  • There is no first aid post on the resort.
  • In the event of a medical emergency, please play your part by working with our stewards and follow their lead.  They will be trained in the precise procedure to follow.
  • If an ambulance is required, advise the Spring Harvest Team Office immediately via a steward.
  • Main Gate will be advised that an ambulance is en-route and will direct the ambulance to the patient.

For the Safety and Welfare of Everyone

  • Listen carefully and follow any instructions given. If you are unsure, ask.
  • Be punctual; leaving others short-handed may put others at risk
  • Make the most of your rest time. Remove your team badge when off duty.
  • Remove or report any slip or trip hazards you

In the Event of a Fire

  • Follow instructions given and exit quickly and safely.
  • Save the people – the building is someone else’s responsibility.
  • Never re-enter a venue which has been evacuated until you are told it is safe to do so by Butlin’s Security Team or the Event Coordinator

Working at Height

  • Working at height should be avoided wherever possible.
  • Don’t stand on tables or chairs.
  • Your feet must never be more than 1.5m from the ground unless you have permission from the Event Coordinator
  • If you use a step ladder, someone must hold it still for you; never stand on the top three steps.

Lifting & Carrying

  • When lifting or carrying anything, please follow our guidelines.
  • Never attempt to move something you feel may be beyond your capacity.
  • You must not lift wheelchairs. Most venues are ground floor or accessible by lift.

Please click on the button below to read our guidelines of how to lift and carry safely.

  • Quick Guide
  • Safeguarding Policy
  • Lost and Found Persons Procedure
  • Uncollected Children Procedure
  • Safeguarding Video

Quick guide

Spring Harvest, as a Christian event strives to provide an environment that feels safe for everyone.  The Butlin’s resort provides children, young people and adults who have care and support needs with the opportunity for a lot more freedom than they would have in other settings.  Every one of us has a responsibility for safeguarding, and those who serve on the team at Spring Harvest are in a unique position of trust at the event and must always remain vigilant.

This quick guide is designed to help you know your responsibilities whilst on the team at Spring Harvest.  If your role directly involves serving children, young people or adults with care and support needs, please familiarise yourself with our full Safeguarding Policy and watch our Safeguarding video.

Good practice

  • Treat everyone with dignity
  • Respect personal space and privacy
  • Avoid unsupervised contact with any child or young person
  • No unauthorised photography or filming of any child or young person
  • Avoid questionable activity and language (e.g., rough/sexually provocative games)
  • Remain vigilant
  • Challenge unacceptable behaviour
  • Follow our full safeguarding policy
  • Report all allegations or suspicions of abuse

How to Respond to a Disclosure

  • Listen – and keep on listening
  • Don’t question
  • Avoid passing judgement
  • Never promise confidentiality
  • Explain what you intend to do
  • Take action immediately
  • Contact the Event Safeguarding Team
  • Write down the content of your conversation, including times/dates
  • Sign, date and keep safely

Who to Contact at Spring Harvest?

If you have any concerns about the welfare of a child, young person or adult with care and support needs, in the first instance, please speak with a member of our Safeguarding Team:

Event Safeguarding Officer: Stella Ellwood
Deputy Safeguarding Officer: Sarah Driscoll

Safeguarding Duty Officer: 07718 779011

Email:  safeguarding@essentialchristian.org

or via Event Team Office:   01825 705201 or 01825 705202

Please click on the button below to read the safeguarding policy

Safeguarding Policy

Lost and Found Persons Procedure

Butlin’s Minehead and Skegness are large, sprawling areas and very quickly and easily a child or vulnerable adult can become detached from their family or group. They may not realise they are ‘lost’, it may be a family member who realises they are missing before they do!

What to do if you find someone who is lost:

If a child or vulnerable adult tells you they are lost or cannot find their family member or you see someone who appears distressed or worried, please follow the guidelines below. 

  • If you are alone, do not leave the area where the child or vulnerable adult is, approach them gently and ask if you can help them.
  • If possible, quickly try to find another member of the team (Steward or Head Office team member). One of you can contact the Spring Harvest Team Office, either by mobile phone or radio, and alert them to the child or vulnerable adult who is lost. (See procedure below).
  • Whilst doing this, the other person should ask where they last saw Mummy or Daddy or their group leader, and what they remember them wearing. Look around you to see if you can see anyone of that description in the immediate area.
  • The Safeguarding Officer should be advised of the situation, by the Head Office Team, as soon as the situation is reported.
  • If the lost person has their own phone, ask if they have a family member or group leader’s number and endeavour to call them straightaway.
  • Check the wristband for an emergency contact number. If there isn’t one, ask the child for their name and the Admin Team Leader (in the Team Office) will be able to look it up on the children’s registration form.
  • Do not give the child's name over the radio.
  • If the lost person is a vulnerable adult and there is no number, again the Admin Team Leader may be able to track down the booking for contact details. In this instance, you may consider calling the Disability Consultant for assistance.
  • Always remain sensitive to the distressed child and try to reassure them. Lost children are usually reunited within a matter of minutes, although it can feel like forever!
  • Do not cuddle or pick the child up, just stand with the child and reassure them.
  • If no one can be seen nearby or reached by phone, take the child to the Nursery or Team Office (whichever is closer), to wait there with a member of the Nursery or Head Office team.
  • How to report a missing child or vulnerable adult:
  • Contact the Team Office immediately, either by mobile phone or radio
  • Give a brief description of the child or vulnerable adult– approximate age, hair colour, clothes they are wearing, area of the resort where they have gone missing from.
  • Do NOT give the child or vulnerable adult’s name or accommodation details over the radio
  • Do NOT give out the emergency phone number on the wristband over the radio
  • The Team Office will alert the Safeguarding Officer immediately.
  • The Stewards will oversee the search operation.

If you are required to look for a missing child or vulnerable adult:

  • If possible, search in pairs. A male and female combination is ideal but not always possible.
  • If you think you have found the missing person, approach them carefully and be sensitive to the fact they may be quietly concerned, rather than visibly distressed. They may not even realise they have become separated.
  • Once you have determined that this is the right person, advise the Team Office via phone or radio immediately so this can be confirmed, and the search ended.
  • Find out where the family members are and take them to be reunited. Do not leave the child to find their own way there or you could be searching all over again!

This information is available as a PDF below.

Lost and Found Policy

Any child left uncollected at the end of a Kid’s programme session should be cared for by the Programme Leader and a suitable familiar team member. The child’s welfare is of paramount importance and they must be reassured at all times.

Procedure

  • One of the door stewards should keep watch for the collecting parent.
  • A team member should telephone the parent or emergency contact given on the registration form.
  • Another team member should be sent to the child’s accommodation to see if the parents or carers are there.
  • The Event Safeguarding Officer should be advised via the Team Office.

In the event of no-one arriving to collect the child within 30 minutes of the end of the programme:

  • The child should be taken by a pair of team members to the 0-4s venue, or to the Team Office if the 0-4s venue is closed. The Event Safeguarding Officer will be present at this stage and assist in re-uniting the child with their parent/carer.
  • If at all possible, the Programme Leader or team member should remain with the child and the Event Safeguarding Officer as a familiar person.

In the event of no-one arriving to collect the child within 1 hour of the end of the programme:

  • The person nominated as the emergency off-resort contact on the child’s registration form should be contacted by the Event Safeguarding Officer.

If the parent/carer of the child cannot be located, the Event Safeguarding Officer will make decisions about contacting the local Children’s Services department.

 Team Lounge

  • The Team Lounge is a place for you and your family to meet other team members and relax.
  • Complimentary hot & cold drinks will be available during opening hours.
  • Team teas will be served in the Team Lounge.
  • Please be respectful of others around you who might be having a meeting.
  • Remember to clear your table of rubbish and cups before you leave.

Team Lounge at Skegness: The Diner - open 10am-9pm
Team Lounge at Minehead: The Yacht Club - open 10.30am – 9pm

Team Bar

  • The Team Bar is a place to gather at the end of the day to meet with other team members and enjoy a drink.

Team Bar at Skegness: The Diner from 8pm                     
Team Bar at Minehead: 
The Yacht Club from 8.30pm                        

Team Office

  • The Team Office will help you with various things including admin requests and Team Accommodation queries.
  • Event Coordinators and Event Safeguarding Team are based in the Team Office.

Team Office at Skegness: Discovery Studio, opposite the Supermarket
Team Office at Minehead: The Yacht Club

Wi-fi

  • Free WiFi is now available on site, with speeds of up to 8Mbps for general internet browsing, social media access and the majority of streaming services where coverage is available 24 hours a day with no download restrictions.

Butlin’s Discounts

Discounts are available on production of your team badge in most of the Butlin's food outlets, with a 20% discount in restaurants and a 10% discount in the resort supermarket.

Spring Harvest Resources Discounts

The Spring Harvest Bookshop and My Spring Harvest stand will give a 10% discount on production of your team badge.

Spring Harvest Holidays Privilege prices for Spring Harvest team members

As a team member, you probably know that Spring Harvest Holidays owns and operates a four-star holiday park in Western France. Each holiday week includes optional Bible study and worship for adults plus brilliant activities for children and teens.

What you may not know is that Spring Harvest team are entitled to privilege prices, giving up to 25% reduction off the standard price list.

Your holiday, your choice

  • Choose a quiet week in May, June or September when prices for a comfortable mobile home and a ferry crossing can cost as little as £285
  • Join us for Spring half term when YFC’s amazing team take over the children’s and youth programmes: a family of up to six can stay in our fully-equipped tent for £300 including ferry
  • Or come in the summer holidays when the park is buzzing with activity and speakers include Lisa Holmes, Phil Knox and Gavin & Anne Calver.

Value for money

One important question for families planning a summer break is “how do I find the best value holiday?” Look no further than the Early and Late Summer Specials, fitting into most school holidays at attractive prices.

Why not volunteer?

We recruit volunteers to run Spring Harvest Holidays, with a number of different roles from minibus driving, overseeing our bike hire centre, and helping in the café and bar. Volunteers are given accommodation, meals and support with travel costs. If you enjoyed being on team at Spring Harvest, why not check out our volunteering page and consider joining us in France this Summer.

Find out more at on the website then talk to us about your plans so we can quote you an extra special price.


info@springharvestholidays.com
01825 748318
www.springharvestholidays.com

Event Chair

Represents the Spring Harvest Planning Group in overseeing delivery of the programme content and theme for the event.

Event Coordinators             

Responsible for the smooth running of the event behind the scenes, including logistics, venues and Butlin’s liaison.

Event Leadership Team      

Oversee designated areas of the event programme (Youth, Kids & All Age, Prayer & Pastoral, Adult Programme).

Team Leaders                      

Oversee specific programmes (Kids 0-4, Sports, Youth, etc.)

Event Safeguarding Officer           

Represents Spring Harvest on all safeguarding matters.

Head Office Staff                  

Responsible for administration, finance, small venue tech, media, exhibition and team accommodation.

If you have any concerns, your first point of contact should be your own Team Leader or a member of the Event Leadership Team. 

Key people you may need to contact:

SkegnessMinehead
Event ChairCris RogersMartin Young
Event CoordinatorsJoe Bellett
Mick Climpson
Andy Banham
Tim Nash
Safeguarding OfficersStella Ellwood
Sarah Driscoll
Stella Ellwood
Sarah Driscoll
Team AccommodationSarah Driscoll
Stella Ellwood
Stella Ellwood
Sarah Driscoll
Team Office (Admin)Alice O'Kane
Michelle Jones
Denise Anstead
Steph Osborn
Pastoral TeamHeather VernonSteve Waller
Team Host (Teas)Michelle SargeantLucy Tovey
Team PastorBeki RogersRosie Giles
ExhibitionClaire CoffeyClaire Coffey
Disability ConsultantJanet EardleyKay Morgan-Gurr
Count Everyone InJanneke KlosJanneke Klos
Chief StewardMatt GortonDavid Cameron

These people are here to help you fulfil your role and can be contacted via the Spring Harvest Team Office or My Spring Harvest stand.

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