COVID-19 (Statement) – Help us safeguard our communities from abuse and neglect
Safeguarding Adults and Children at risk remains a priority throughout Cardiff and Vale of Glamorgan and Safeguarding partners have been working to implement revised operating models which enable us to comply with Government advice and still provide a safeguarding service and response to the region.
The Cardiff and Vale Safeguarding Board are asking everyone within the region to look out for one another in order to help those who may be at risk of abuse and neglect. This is a message which applies at all times, but now more than ever, people at all ages need protection.
“We are currently experiencing unprecedented times as a result of Coronavirus, with social distancing and self-isolation being one of the key messages and advice being provided by Government.
“Whilst this will undoubtedly help with the prevention of the spread of the virus, unfortunately, this will also mean that children, young people and adults at risk within the Cardiff and the Vale of Glamorgan areas may potentially be at an increased risk of abuse and neglect.
We ask everyone, that during these uncertain times, that you “please be vigilant and look out for friends, families and neighbours and if you see any signs at all that makes you think that they may be experiencing any type of harm, please report your concerns to your local safeguarding teams”.
If you have concerns about a child contact:
Intake and Family Support Team (Vale of Glamorgan):
01446 725 202
Out of Office Hours
Emergency Duty Team:
029 2078 8570
Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH):
029 2053 6490
Out of Office Hours
Emergency Duty Team:
029 2078 8570
National Guidance & Updates
Public Health Wales COVID-19 Wellbeing Campaign
Advice to Health Care Professionals on LAC, Adoption and Fostering during Covid-19
Welsh Government Updates
Written Statement: Launch of the Young Person’s Mental Health Toolkit. Links young people aged 11-25 to websites, apps and helplines to build resilience and support them through the Coronavirus pandemic and beyond.
Joint statement by the Deputy Minister for Health & Social Care and experts from leading children’s organisations on the 5 ways to help children and young people stay safe during coronavirus lockdown.
Press Release issued 19 April 2020 : Education Minister publishes new guidance ‘Stay Safe. Stay Learning’ – which aims to support learners, practitioners, parents and carers in dealing with the impact of Coronavirus.
Guidance for Children’s Social Services during COVID-19
Contact details for accessing school or community based counselling
Live Fear Free Covid-19 Campaign – updated October 2020
Regional Guidance & Updates
Status and Update of Safeguarding Arrangements -April 29-2020
7 minute briefing Scams and Fraud
7 minute briefing Domestic Abuse
7 minute briefing Changes to the Mental Health Act
Information for Professionals
COVID-19 Safeguarding Children- practitioner handout
COVID-19 Safeguarding Children – Bi-lingual-Information
Young persons COVID-19 survival pack
Protect & Respect leaflet FINAL – information for professionals supporting children and young people affected by sexual exploitation.
In Ctrl South Wales virtual service – provided by NSPCC which aims to prevent children and young people from online sexual abuse.
South Wales Fire & Rescue – Fire-setting Intervention Team provide tailor made programmes for children and young people to address fire-setting behaviours. Referrals can be made directly by professionals or families.
Information for the Public
Mental Health and Wellbeing Advice and Services
Domestic Abuse Advice and Services
The latest Vale Health & Social Care bulletin, providing details on the various news, help and support available within the Vale of Glamorgan.
The latest directory of services, support and helplines provided by Cardiff Third Sector Council to help people with emotional wellbeing during the COVID19 crises.
Children’s Commissioner for Wales has launched an Information Hub for children, young people and families. The hub provides advice and a range of activities and resources for children and families, including supporting children with a learning disability.
NHS Direct Wales have produced ‘easy read’ resources specific to COVID-19, designed particularly for those with learning disabilities or sensory loss. Click here to access the resources. Further links are available here with British Sign Language (BSL), Audit and Text clips to ensure those with sensory loss have accessible information.
Resources
Mental Health & Wellbeing:
Young persons COVID-19 survival pack
How to get help in a mental health crisis
WHO mental-health-considerations
A resource for people bereaved through suicide or unexplained death and for those helping them.
Government guidance for parents and carers on supporting children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing during the Coronavirus outbreak.
Children’s Wellbeing Resources
Coronavirus advice for under 21s (Change Grow Live)helping teenagers cope with lockdown
Children’s Commissioner for Wales – Information Hub for Children, Young People and Families
MEIC Cymru: providing information, resources and advice for young people on mental health & wellbeing, including exercise routines whilst in lockdown.
Young Minds: for young people struggling with self isolation, the effects of coronavirus and the impact on their mental health – this link provides tips, advice and guidance on where you can get support.
BECOME – a charity for children in care and young care leavers. Providing top tips to feel less isolated and a helpline to provide personal advice or if you just need someone to talk to.
NHS Mental Health Hub – tips for coping with stress/anxiety and depression.
Mindhub.wales – a hub created by young people for young people. Providing links to services regarding emotional health and wellbeing.
CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service) – provides lots of helpful resources, including videos, Apps and books, to help support children and young people’s mental health and wellbeing.
Safe Hands Thinking Minds – resources to support children and adults around anxiety, worry, stress and fears, including specific Covid-19.
Cardiff & Vale Resilience Project – have produced animated videos on You Tube for children and young people explaining about the virus and how to stay safe in a fun format.
Papyrus: prevention of young suicide Helpline 0800 068 4141 (8am-10pm weekdays, 2pm-10pm weekends and bank holidays)
Samaritans: Support for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair including those which could lead to suicide. Telephone 08457 909090 (24hour), 029 2034 4022
Barnardo’s Vale of Glamorgan School and Community Based Counselling Service is using telephone and online platforms to deliver confidential counselling sessions to young people aged 13 and over during these difficult times.
If you are aged 10 to 12, we can provide wellbeing support and guidance. If you think we could help you and you would like to access our service please contact us on 02920 577074 or 07738 689262 or email valecounsellingservice@barnardos.org.uk
The Family Wellbeing Service in Cardiff Early intervention and support to families living in Cardiff with children up to the age of 25 and that have an identified need for support in relation to emotional and mental health and wellbeing. Referrals can be made via the Cardiff Early Help referral Gateway Tel: 03000 133 133 Website: Cardiff Family Gateway
Online Safety Resources:
Home Activity Packs (Thinkuknow) for parents to do with their child to support their online safety during COVID19 and closure of schools. The packs are simple 15 minute activities for children across the age ranges of 4 – 14+.
Video chatting: guide for parents/carers of secondary school children
Video chatting: guide for parents/carers of primary school children
Hwb – provides free digital educational tools and materials., along with a range of self help resources for children and young people (11-25 years of age). Information is also available for parents/carers and professionals.
Healthy Relationships:
Healthy-Relationships-WWA – provides advice for young people on healthy relationships. There is also an online quiz.