Keeping watch over Hartlepool's most vulnerable children during lockdown

Children’s safety bosses for Hartlepool noted although young people are not as visible due to government restrictions because of the coronavirus, residents should still be on guard for problems young people face at home.

Dave Pickard, Independent Chair of the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership, noted current pressures could lead to an increase in domestic abuse and substance misuse among parents and carers.

Therefore he urged anyone to get in contact if they are concerned about the conditions a child is facing.

Mr Pickard said: “The fact that children are a lot less visible because of the current lockdown makes it even more important for people to keep an eye on their wellbeing.

“The pressures of the current situation could spark an increase in domestic abuse, substance misuse and mental ill health among some parents, which in turn could lead to some children suffering neglect or abuse at home or leave them more vulnerable to online abuse or exploitation outside their home.

“We would urge people to be vigilant and if they are worried at all about a child’s welfare, to get in touch straight away.”

He added residents can call the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Children’s Hub during normal office hours on 01429 284284 for Hartlepool cases and 01642 130080 for Stockton-on-Tees issues.

Outside normal office hours he urged residents to call 01642 524552 (both boroughs) with any problems and in an immediate emergency call the police on 101.

The calls come after last week council and police chiefs both raised concerns over a rise in domestic abuse due to the Covid-19 outbreak and residents spending more time in their homes.

Hartlepool Borough Council chiefs noted domestic abuse is ‘on the rise during the coronavirus outbreak’ and said it could have a devastating impact on young people.

They pointed residents towards the National Domestic Abuse Helpline, free to call 24 hours a day on 0808 2000 247, while locally a range of help is available by contacting Harbour Support Services on (01429) 270110.

Cleveland Police also encouraged residents to support a new campaign from Crimestoppers to protect victims of domestic abuse during the coronavirus pandemic.

The charity launched an initiative appealing for information from people who are aware of domestic abuse happening to friends, family, work colleagues or neighbours.

Crimestoppers’ UK Contact Centre is open 24/7 on 0800 555 111 or people can visit their website: crimestoppers-uk.org and fill in a secure anonymous online form.

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