Five ways to help children and young people stay safe during the coronavirus lockdown

Pauline Bird

Press Release: https://gov.wales/five-ways-help-children-and-young-people-stay-safe-during-coronavirus-lockdown

The Welsh Government and children and young people’s organisations across Wales are urging the public to help keep children safe through the coronavirus pandemic.

Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, and experts from leading children’s organisations have provided a joint statement including a list of five services that are still providing support throughout the lockdown.

Julie Morgan, Deputy Minister for Health and Social Services, said:

I want to give a clear message that our children’s services are available and open as usual to anyone that needs support. This is why today we have issued a joint statement with the NSPCC, Children in Wales, and the Youth Work Board affirming that we must all take responsibility for keeping our children safe.

1. Call 101

If you’re worried about a child or young person in your family or community, please call 101.

2. Meic Cymru

The Meic helpline service for children and young people up to the age of 25 in Wales is still available during the coronavirus lockdown. Meic also works with, and compliments, other advice services and helplines – such as ChildLine – which have a prominent safeguarding role.

Meic is open 8am until midnight, seven days a week and provides a confidential, anonymous and free service.

You can freephone 080880 23456, text 84001 or visit meiccymru.org.  

3.The NSPCC

The NSPCC helpline continues to provide support for adults who have a concern about a child or young person. There is a range of resources available at nspcc.org.uk/coronavirus. You can also call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

4. Childline

Childline continues to be there for children, online or on the phone at anytime. You can call 0800 1111, between 9am and 12am or email through the website childline.org.uk

5. The Welsh Government

The Welsh Government has set up a dedicated safeguarding webpage to provide support to children and adults throughout the coronavirus crisis. The website explains what you can do if you suspect someone is at risk of harm, abuse or neglect and provides lines that allow you to report concerns online. You can find out more at gov.wales/reporting-suspected-abuse-harm-or-neglect-safeguarding 

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