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
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
Community Connex: Advocacy 1st
Community ConneX has been supporting communities for over 75 years by helping people to live healthier, happier, and more independent lives. They do this by supporting individuals and families in their daily lives, providing them with opportunities to engage with others, make their voices heard, develop new skills, and grow.
Their dedicated advocacy team will support children and young people to have their voice heard. Advocates are independent and will listen, empower, and encourage children and young people to speak up and be included in decisions made about them. Community Connex can help children and young people to understand their rights, make informed choices about their lives and attend important meetings about them, including Looks after children’s reviews, child protection conferences or other meetings.
Contact Details
Email: advocacy@communityconnex.co.uk
Telephone: 01865597316
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.