Help and support
If you are being hurt, treated in a way that makes you feel scared or unsafe, or you feel very alone or unhappy, tell someone about it so they can try to help you. Talk to someone you can trust, like a teacher or a nurse at your school. They will listen to you and support you, and talk through what can be done to help sort things out.
Remember that you can ring ChildLine anytime on 0800 1111 or you can talk to a trained social worker by ringing 01793 466903 during the day, or 01793 436699 at night.
Neglect
Neglect Matters is a guide for 11-17 year olds which tells young people how they can recognise neglect, who they can turn to for help and what they can do about it. It is produced by the NSPCC.
Bullying
If you are being picked on, teased, being called names or having rumours spread about you, you will be able to get help and support by going to the Bullying UK website and talking to a mentor. This will be someone your own age in your school, or online using the chat and messaging on this website.
If you are struggling with something more serious, like self-harm, depression, suicidal thoughts, physical, emotional, sexual abuse or neglect (when someone’s not looking after you properly), then the mentor will pass you to a counsellor on the website, or a teacher or trusted adult supporting the scheme in your school.
For anyone affected by bullying issues, you can visit the National Bullying helpline.
Other organisations that can help
- On Trak Youth Counselling Service is aimed at young people aged 14-19 in the Swindon area. You cna contact them on 01793 612969.
- Childline is the free helpline for children and young people in the UK. You can contact Childline by phone, e-mail, text or via a message board on 0800 1111.
- NSPCC expert advice is available from NSPCC advisors, who are all trained child protection officers and can be contacted on 0800 5000.
- FRANK is a 24-hour, 7-days a week, free and confidential telephone service that offers advice and information for those who are concerned, or have questions, about drugs on 0800 776600.
- Samaritans can be contacted on 08457 909090 (24 hour helpline).
