Safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility and we want to make sure everyone has the information they need if concerned about the safety or well-being of a child or young person.
Every child has a right to protection from harm. All organisations that work or come into contact with children and young people should have safeguarding policies and procedures in place to help keep children safe.
If you’re a young carer
If you’re a young carer and something is worrying you, you can talk to any member of the YCDT team. You don’t have to know whether it’s a safeguarding issue – just tell someone you trust. We will listen and help you get the right support. You can find our contact details here.
Any young person can also call Childline on 0800 1111 which is a free, confidential 24-hour service, for anyone under 19 years old.
You can talk about anything that’s worrying you, at any time.
You don’t have to give your name, and you don’t have to know what to say – they are there to listen.
In an emergency
If you or someone you know is at risk of serious harm, or needs urgent help, call 999 immediately.
If you need urgent medical or mental health advice, but it is not an emergency, you can also contact NHS 111.
If you are worried about a young person’s safety or well-being
You do not need to be certain that something is wrong to report a concern. If something doesn’t feel right, it’s always important to speak up.
You may be concerned about:
• Physical, emotional or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Domestic abuse
• Poor mental health or emotional well-being
• Self-harm or suicidal thoughts
• Bullying (including online bullying)
• Exploitation or grooming
• Concerns about caring responsibilities at home
• Any situation that makes you feel worried about a child or young person
If you feel concerned, need advice or something doesn’t feel right, it’s important to let us know. No concern is too small.
Our Safeguarding Team
Designated Safeguarding Lead
Georgia Prentice
Deputy Safeguarding Lead
Karina Eccles
YCDT works across the following local authority areas. If you are concerned about a young person or child, you can contact the relevant Children’s Services team for advice or to report a concern:
| Local Authority | Department | Daytime Contact | Out of Hours Contact (Emergency Duty Team) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath and North East Somerset | Children and Families Duty and Assessment Team | 01225 396111 or 01225 477929 | 01454 615165 |
| Bristol | First Response Team | 01179 036444 | 01454 615165 |
| North Somerset | Child Protection Team | 01275 888808 | 01454 615165 |
| South Gloucestershire | Access and Response Team | 01454 866000 | 01454 615165 |
| Wiltshire | Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) Team | 0300 456 0108 | 0300 456 0100 |
| Monmouthshire | Child Duty and Assessment Team | 01291 635669 | 0800 328 4432 |
| Newport (Gwent) | Social Service Duty Team | 01633 656656 | 0800 328 4432 |
If your concern relates to a child who lives in another local authority, please contact the Children’s Services team for the area in which the child lives.
What happens next
When you contact us, we will listen carefully to your concerns and treat them seriously.
Our Safeguarding Team will assess the information and decide what action is needed. This may include seeking further information, providing support or sharing concerns with Children’s Social Care or the Police, where necessary.
Our priority is always to act in the best interests of the child or young person.
Helping Young Carers to build brighter futures
Young Carers Development Trust,
14 Queen Square,
Bath
BA1 2HN
info@ycdt.org.uk 07368 366660
The Young Carers Development Trust is a charity (1150197) and a company limited by guarantee (England and Wales No. 07771110)