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Children & Young People

If you’ve got a problem or are worried about someone, it can be hard to know what to do. You don’t have to cope on your own. You have the right to grow up safe from people hurting you.

What is child abuse?

Child abuse is when you or another child or young person is being harmed or isn’t being looked after properly.

Remember, being abused is never your choice and never your fault.  Child abuse is never right. Here are some things to look out for:

  • not being fed
  • being continuously criticised, ignored or humiliated
  • being asked to do something that makes you feel uncomfortable
  • being frightened when left alone without an adult to look after you
  • being hit, kicked or punched
  • being sexually abused (this can include inappropriate sexual behaviour, language or touching)

Where to go for help

If you are a child or young person and you are being abused or neglected please contact the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub on one of the following numbers:

  • Office hours (8.30am – 5pm, Monday to Thursday, 8.30am – 4pm, Friday): 0345 050 7666
  • Outside office hours: Emergency Duty Team: 0800 833 408

ChildLine is the free confidential helpline for children and young people in the UK. Call 0800 1111.

The NSPCC has a helpline 0808 800 5000 for children and young people, and a website with helpful advice about what to do if you are worried or scared

oxme.info website

The website oxme.info is Oxfordshire County Council’s website for young people and includes information about opportunities, activities and services for children and young people in Oxfordshire. Click on the logo above to access the site, which runs on android phones and smart phones.

Advocacy Services for Children and Young People

NYAS (National Youth Advocacy Service)

NYAS aims to ensure that the voice of children and young people can be heard in all matters affecting them. NYAS provide the following services to Young People within Oxfordshire:

  • Advocacy for children in care and those in need – including children subject to child protection plans, care leavers, children and young people with disabilities
  • The provision of independent visitors for children in care

Young People can contact the free phone helpline directly or professionals can do so on their behalf.  There is no age restriction for Young People to access the service.

If a professional wants to make a referral directly, this can also be done via the online Professional Referral form on the front page of the NYAS website.

Contact Details

Telephone: 0808 808 1001 (Freephone helpline)

Websitewww.nyas.net

E mailhelp@nyas.net

AddressNYAS Head Office, Tower House, 1 Tower Road, Birkenhead, Wirral, CH41 1FF

Mental wellbeing hub for young people launched in Oxfordshire

Young people in Oxfordshire struggling with their mental health will now have access to an online information hub, to help boost their emotional and mental wellbeing. The oxme.info/wellbeing hub was created in response to finding out that 16 – 18 year olds in Oxfordshire were most worried about three key areas: their next steps, anxiety and loneliness.

The site offers quick and easy access to help and support. With podcasts, videos, tips and apps, the site also signposts young people to local services. As well as having resources for young people, there is also information for parents and carers, linking to both local and national support.

Keeping safe online

 

Thinkuknow is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline. Explore one of the Thinkuknow websites listed below for advice about staying safe when you’re on a phone, tablet or computer.