Families...
Introduction
As you know, we are here to help our families as much as we can. The door is always open, so please feel free to call in, someone is always available to speak to.
We hope that we have provided information in this section that will help you find assistance from other agencies, should you need it.
If you are in immediate danger - please call West Yorkshire Police on 999. If it is not an emergency, please call 101 or visit www.westyorkshire.police.uk
If you are a member of the public and suspect that a child or young person is being, or is at risk of being significantly harmed as a result of abuse or neglect, you must report this immediately by calling Children’s Social Work Services during office hours (9.00am – 5.00pm) on 0113 2224403.
If you think a child is immediate danger call the police on 999 out of office hours (evenings, weekends and bank holidays).
Support for Parents, Carers and Children
There are many websites that will offer a wide variety of Safeguarding information. These might help as a starting point but please do ask us - we have many more specific places that we can signpost you to:
parentinfo - this is a highly recommended website for anyone who requires help, support and advice from leading experts and organisations.
The Market Place - offer support for young people aged between 11 and 25 years old. A drop in can be arranged for support with mental health and wellbeing or help dealing with anxiety and young people who are self-harming. An appointment can be reserved prior to attending. Tel: 0113 2461659.
Childline - offer counselling . They are there to listen and support you with anything you'd like to talk about or you can have a 1-2 counselling chat online. You can discuss anything you like from a disclosure of pregnancy, being a victim of bullying, feeling low and struggling with sleep patterns to mental health issues and general low mood. Tel: 0800 1111; text 'Shout' for support or 'Ask Sam' through a message board facility. You can also contact Childline with Sign Video for children with hearing disabilities - Sign Video lets you contact through a BSL Interpreter any time from Mon-Fri 9am-8pm and Saturdays 9am-1pm.
Young Minds - text Young Minds Crisis Messenger (text: YM to 85258), for free 24/7 support across the UK if you are experiencing a mental health crisis. It also provides support and guidance for parents/carers to help support their children with managing their mental health. Tel: 0808 802 5544.
NSPCC - Resources which help adults respond to children disclosing abuse. Will also provide useful resources for parents / carers on social networks, apps and other online safety related issues. Tel: 0800 1111.
Barnardo's - UK charity caring for and supporting some of the most vulnerable children and young people through their range of services.
Victim Support - Supporting children and young people who have been affected by crime. Also provides support to parents and professionals who work with children and young people – regardless of whether a crime has been reported or how long ago it was.
The National Domestic and Abuse Helpline - is for women and children who are exposed to domestic violence. This allows you the option to seek help, support and advice. In an emergency, please call 999. 24 – hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline 0808 2000247
Leeds Domestic Violence Service - provide women and men with choices from a range of community based services, including temporary supported housing, IDVA (independent domestic violence advocate support, community outreach support, a telephone helpline, drop-ins and support groups. 24 – hour helpline: 0113 2460401
The Survivors Trust- UK-wide national umbrella agency with resources and support dedicated to survivors of rape, sexual violence and child sex abuse.
Let’s Talk About It - provides advice for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation.
The Leeds Prevent Team - if families feel that their child has been exposed or have any concerns about radicalisation, they can also go directly to the Prevent team. Tel: 0113 5350810.
NCA CEOP Thinkuknow advice for parents: - Advice/resources on how to approach and deal with concerns about what children may be doing online including advice about how to help challenge harmful sexual attitudes and how to start a conversation to support positive sexual behaviour.
Safer Internet Centre- where Parents and carers can find online safety tips, advice and resources to help children and young people stay safe online.
Childnet has produced a Parent and Carer Toolkit which is a collection of three resources designed to help you talk to your child about their online life, manage boundaries around family internet use and point you in the direction of where to get further help and support.
How Can I Help My Child? - Marie Collins Foundation – Sexual Abuse Online
Samaritans - encourages children and adults to talk about their own mental health needs and provides top tips for managing mental health during a crisis. Tel: 116123 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Parentsafe - London Grid for Learning - Detailed advice/resources covering various issues such as online safety, apps, and how to report concerns.
CRUSE - is a service which offers support, advice and information to children, young people and adults when someone dies. They provide tips to help yourself, or as a parent; how you can support your child. There are video links which explain the grieving process so children/ adults understand each stage of grief. Tel: 0808 8081677
Child Bereavement UK - work to provide support to families of children who have lost a loved one. Tel: 0800 0288840. Live chat is also available via the website.
Parentzone - Provides expert information and resources to help make the internet work for families.
The NHS - this website offers a range of supportive materials and resources from medical professionals. This includes audio narrations, for example, on managing stress, sleep patterns, coping strategies for managing anxiety. Advice can also be sought in terms of any medical issues which arise. If a young person is at crisis point please take straight to Accident and Emergency at Leeds General Infirmary.
Home | Family Information Service Leeds - An information service for parents and carers of children and young people aged 0-19 (or up to 25 if your child has Special Educational Needs or a disability SEND).
The Beck delivers a range of services to young people age 13-19 and their parents and families, including intensive one-to-one support, group work, offsite education, sports activities, parent/carer support, counselling and much more. This may be useful for older siblings.