Published: Thursday 30 July 2020
The Council is continuing to ask residents to act on their concerns should they see signs of abuse or neglect to a child by reporting it to Children’s Services. Due to coronavirus and the Government’s social distancing guidelines, there will be less to do and fewer places to go this summer, with schools closed, and community hubs and holiday programmes impacted. This will leave vulnerable children and young people increasingly hidden from support services and unable to escape harm or abuse at home.
Cllr Josh Rendall, Kensington and Chelsea Council’s Lead Member for Families, Children and Schools, said: “Some normality is returning to our day-to-day, but this summer will be like no other for children around the country. Sadly, being in isolation will have been a very difficult time for some, and there will still be children struggling with their living situations. If something you see or hear doesn’t sit right with you, please, don’t wait for someone else to flag it. We must all do our bit.”
If you’re concerned a child is being harmed or abused, contact Children’s Services on 020 7361 3013 (RBKC) or 020 7641 4000 (Westminster) 9am-5pm weekdays. Outside of these times, contact 020 7641 6000 (Westminster) or 020 7373 3227 (RBKC).The signs of abuse can be hard to spot.
The NSPCC has information on different types of abuse and how to spot the signs, but it's important to remember that every situation is different. By reporting your concerns, Children’s Services will:
- listen to your concerns
- gather information
- assess the whole picture
- decide what action to take
If you believe a child is in immediate danger, call the police on 999. If it is not an emergency, you can report a crime or incident online or call 101 to give information to the police.You can also speak to the NSPCC about your concerns. The NSPCC Helpline offers help, advice and support 24 hours a day by email. You can contact them at [email protected] or by phone 080 8800 5000 (8am-10pm Monday to Friday, 9am-6pm at weekends).
Are you a child or young person who needs to talk? Contact Childline for free on 0800 1111 or online via their webchat.