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We know that the current Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak is changing the way we live our lives and interact with each other. Despite this, safeguarding remains as much a priority as ever and we all have a role to play.

During this pandemic, we will endeavour to include information on this website which may be helpful to you directly or if you are trying to help someone else. It is vital that we all come together to support and protect those who are most vulnerable.

If you have concerns about yourself, your neighbour or someone in your community, please see our list of resources below that can support you.

If you are concerned about an adult with care and support needs, or a child, who is experiencing, or at risk of, abuse or neglect, you should continue to raise your concerns through the usual reporting channels illustrated within the ‘Report Abuse’ page on this website.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our key workers supporting the frontline in ensuring critical support and services continue to reach the most vulnerable within our communities.

Stay safe, stay well.

Elaine Coleridge-Smith
Independent Chair
Warwickshire Safeguarding
Stay Alert>Control The Virus>Save Lives

The Coronavirus Act was introduced in response to the Covid-19 outbreak. It provides for changes to legislation to enable public services to provide an effective response to the emergency. These changes will only come into force if pressures of demand and workforce illness during the pandemic mean that NHS and social care services are unable to carry out their duties. Changes would be temporary, lasting only for the duration of the emergency.

For some people, the current rules around social distancing and remaining at home can mean that they are at greater risk of suffering abuse. If you are suffering abuse, remember you are not alone. Help is at hand and support services continue to be available across Warwickshire during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The rules around social distancing do not prevent someone from leaving home to seek help if they are suffering abuse. Refuges remain open and the police will provide support to all individuals who are being abused - physically, emotionally, or otherwise.

If you are in immediate danger:

Always call 999 in an emergency. If you are unable to speak on the phone, there are systems in place to connect you to the right service:

  • If you are calling from a mobile phone, you can use the ‘Silent Solution’ system. Press 55 and the operator will transfer the call to the relevant police force as an emergency. The police call handler will then ask you a series of simple yes/no questions. If you’re still not able to speak, listen to the instructions you are given so the handler can assess your call and send help. Please note that calling from a mobile does not allow the police to track your location.
  • If you are calling from a landline, pressing ‘55’ will not work. If you can’t speak you should stay on the line and the operator will connect you to a police call handler. If you need to put the phone down, the line will stay open for 45 seconds. If you pick it up again during this time and the operator is concerned for your safety, they will put you through to a police call handler. Calling 999 from a landline means the police may be able to retrieve information on your location to send help.

The link below provides information about Domestic Abuse services in Warwickshire. 
https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/keeping-child-safe/domestic-violence-abuse-intimate-partner-abuse/1

The updated Talk2Someone website is now live: https://www.talk2someone.org.uk/
This provides a wealth of information on Domestic Abuse, the support services available in Warwickshire and how to report. There is also a section for professionals (the link to this can be found at the very bottom of the page). 

In addition, there is specific information on DA support available during the lockdown on the Safe In Warwickshire website: https://safeinwarwickshire.com/vawg/

You may also be aware of the national #YouAreNotAlone campaign. Please find attached a partner information pack produced by the Home Office.


For Practitioners, SCIE have released this quick guide which is aimed at professionals and organisations who are involved in supporting and safeguarding adults and children. Emerging evidence has emphasised the increased risks of domestic abuse during the COVID-19 pandemic. This new resource aims to help professionals and organisations better support and safeguard adults and children at risk of abuse. Click here to find out more and download a copy of the guidance.


No child or adult should be made to feel unsafe. Everyone has a right to be safe from harm and abuse. All of us have a role to play in safeguarding, never more so than during COVID-19. That is why the HM Government have created this leaflet about Safeguarding during a pandemic, download it here

Our partners at Warwickshire County Council have created a helpful webpage chock full of important information that may be useful to Carers and Providers during the COVID-19 pandemic. To access this information, which is updated regularly, click the below link:

https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/information-coronavirus/covid-19-national-local-guidance-care-providers?documentId=905&categoryId=20216

WCC are publicising a directory of community led support groups to help people who are shielding or self isolating - HERE

For the latest guidance on Sexual and reproductive health support for vulnerable individuals and communities during COVID-19 click here.


No child or adult should be made to feel unsafe. Everyone has a right to be safe from harm and abuse. All of us have a role to play in safeguarding, never more so than during COVID-19. That is why the HM Government have created this leaflet about Safeguarding during a pandemic, download it here

Warwickshire County Council’s Children & Family Support Service provides a newsletter, that offers useful information and advice during the COVID-19 pandemic. To sign up and download the latest copy follow the below link:
https://us5.campaign-archive.com/home/?u=a24b439ef7022ae0d86f9ca6e&id=7346556874

For School’s and teachers, we recommend reading the following guidance:
https://www.safeguardingwarwickshire.co.uk/news/safeguarding-children-news/252-safeguarding-arrangements-for-all-warwickshire-schools-during-covid-19-school-closures

With the most up to date information available on this website:
https://schools.warwickshire.gov.uk/coronavirus/coronavirus-guidance-school-leaders-education-settings-schools/1

You may be aware that the government recently issued new regulations for Children's Social Care which is designed to relax a number of statutory timescales and regulations. Below is a link to a summary setting out Warwickshire County Council Children & Families Service response to the main changes.
Summary_for_Partners_Adoption_and_Children_Coronavirus_Regulations_2020

The NHS have created a fact sheet about coronavirus which you may find helpful, this can be downloaded here.
https://coronavirusresources.phe.gov.uk/nhs-resources-facilities/resources/coronavirus-fact-sheet-children/

Children and Young Persons (CYP) SARC Service:
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Mountain Healthcare is still operating and providing Sexual Assault Referral Services for children and young people. However, in line with current national guidance and healthcare best practice, please DO NOT BRING CYP STRAIGHT TO THE SARC during this time. See attached poster for more information.

SCIE have created a new resource which gives useful guidance for practitioners working to safeguard children and families during the COVID-19 outbreak, including social workers and those working in social care settings. Click here to find out more.

 "See Hear Respond" is a new service developed by Barnardos for children and young people during COVID-19. Until 31st October 2020 they will work with schools and other agencies to find those children who are hidden from view; who are not receiving support currently from statutory organisations and those who are at risk and/or experiencing adverse impact to their health and wellbeing. The service is open to any child who does not have other support networks at this time. There is no threshold of need or harm that has to be reached to receive a service. Please click here for more information.


No child or adult should be made to feel unsafe. Everyone has a right to be safe from harm and abuse. All of us have a role to play in safeguarding, never more so than during COVID-19. That is why the HM Government have created this leaflet about Safeguarding during a pandemic, download it here

Find information and tips for managing your mental health during the coronavirus outbreak (also known as COVID-19). Whether you're social distancing or self-isolating you may be feeling anxious or stressed during this time, and that's completely normal. The link below contains tips and advice on coping during this uncertain time, and the mental health and wellbeing support still available to you in Warwickshire. It also provides information for parents and carers to support children and young people mental health and well-being.

https://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/information-coronavirus/mental-health-advice-coronavirus-pandemic/1

The Metropolitan Police have created a helpful resource regarding the 'Test and Trace' scam that is occuring during this pandemic. Unfortunately, criminals will exploit every opportunity they can to defraud innocent people of their money, or steal their personal details. This government service is extremely important in the fight against coronavirus and it’s vital the public get on board with it. However, we understand the concerns people have about the opportunity for criminals to commit scams and we are aware from media reports that some scam texts are already in circulation.

Please take a moment to read through the leaflet by downloading it here.

Most of you will now be aware of the National Guidelines in place, but for those who need a refresher please use the link below.

https://www.gov.uk/coronavirus

The rising rates of self-harm and suicide were deeply concerning before Coronavirus. Now, with the pandemic taking a huge toll on people’s mental wellbeing and creating widespread economic insecurity, Samaritans are calling for urgent action to tackle these trends. The Samaritans have developed a series of briefings to address the challenges amongst the following high-risk groups:

 

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