Safeguarding Children - it's everyone's business!

We all have a statutory responsibility to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people. Northumberland Safeguarding Children Board has developed this website to provide easily accessible and up-to-date safeguarding information for professionals, children and young people, families and members of the public.

The site also provides some information on a range of safeguarding issues for parents and carers and children and young people in Northumberland. We provide links to the websites of other organisations where we know more advice on specific subjects is available.

Please use the buttons above to navigate around the website.

Information is given below about what to do if you have concerns about a child in Northumberland.

What to do if you are worried about a child or young person

Children and young people have the right to grow up safe from harm or abuse. If you think a child or young person is being abused or mistreated or you have concerns about the safety or welfare of a child or young person, you must contact your locality Social Care Team, or the Out of Hours contact number which is 0845 600 5252 - you cannot make a referral from this website

All concerns about children and young people are treated seriously and in confidence. Your name will not be given to anyone else without your permission.

Most people feel anxious about making a referral about a child to social workers, mainly because they do not want to make a mistake or make things worse. It is always best to get advice and be wrong than do nothing and allow a child to be harmed. 

Talking through your concerns can help clarify whether there is something to be worried about or not - don't think 'what if I am wrong?' - think 'what if I am right?'

Advice for adult survivors of child abuse and neglect

Victims of child abuse can be affected by the experience during adulthood. If you are an adult who experienced child abuse, help is available from the NSPCC.  Contact the NSPCC on 0808 800 5000 email help@nspcc.org.uk text 88858 and talk to a counsellor.

Where to find more help and advice

NHS choices: Information on therapy and counselling available from the NHS and through your GP. Lists other organisations providing talking therapy services.

It's good to talk: British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP) website to explain what to expect from counselling and psychotherapy. Includes a directory of therapists and counsellors.

National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC): A charity providing a free telephone support line and email for anyone abused in childhood.

The Survivors Trust (TST): A national umbrella agency for over 130 specialist rape, sexual violence and childhood sexual abuse support organisations throughout the UK and Ireland.

Moira Anderson Foundation: A national charity supporting children and adults affected by childhood sexual abuse.