A QUARTER of adults across the West Midlands say they have had concerns a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect – according to new survey.
The YouGov survey of 3,999 adults across the UK, including 299 in the West Midlands, also revealed that more than a quarter (27%) of those surveyed in the region who had a concern did not take action.
Survey results show that the main barriers that prevented people from acting are being unsure about if what was happening was abuse, being worried about making things worse and not being able to prove it.
Children’s charity, the NSPCC, has released this data to show why its new campaign and workshops, Listen up, Speak up is needed.
The project aims to inspire adults across the UK to play their part in keeping children safe, by taking action to support children and families.
The Listen up, Speak up workshops, which are led by the NSPCC are being offered to schools, businesses, organisations and community groups, advise participants on some of the signs that a child might be at risk, how to approach difficult conversations and who to contact if they are concerned about a child or their family.
The workshops are being offered face-to-face and online and people can also complete a 10-minute digital training session.
Rachel Wallace, local campaigns manager for the region, said: “We believe that everyone can play a part in keeping children safe, if armed with the knowledge of what to do when concerned a child is at risk.
“This can range from practically supporting a family, being a listening ear or letting someone know about your concerns, such as a parent, a safeguarding lead for a sports club, or even contacting the NSPCC Helpline.”
A series of follow-up emails to the online training will share more advice on how to listen to and support children and families and will introduce some helpful services and resources.
That includes advice on everyday challenges that families may be facing such as bonding with their baby, parental mental health and keeping their children safe online.
So far, more than 25,000 people have signed up to Listen up, Speak up digital training. The charity is striving to reach one million people and organisations across the UK over the next 10 years, inspiring them to take actions in their community.
To find out more and sign up for online training, click here.
