Information for Children & Young People

It is important that all children and young people feel safe at home, at school and in the local area.

Internet Safety

For information on protecting yourself online, please view the Internet Safety page

Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC)

The New Swindon Sanctuary is a dedicated centre to support victims of sexual assault throughout Wiltshire, whether they are men, women or children. Its trained professionals can provide immediate medical care, a forensic examination, counselling and onward referral. The service is available, whether or not you wish to have Police involvement.

For further infromation, please view their website: http://www.newswindonsanctuary.co.uk/

Missing Children and Runaways

For information and advice, please view the Missing Children and Runaways page.

If you need to speak to someone

If you have a problem or are worried about someone you know, it can be hard to know what to do to make things better.  If you are being mistreated or abused by someone, then you should talk to an adult you feel you can trust.  This may be someone in your family, a neighbour or a teacher or you can contact one of the organisations below:

• Children Services:
  01793 466903 Mon – Thurs 8.30am – 4.30pm; Fridays 8.30am – 4.00pm
  01793 436699 out of office hours
• Police Child Abuse Investigation Team:
  01793 507976 Mon – Fri 8.00am – 8.00pm and Sat/Sun 8.00am – 4.00pm
• U-Turn:
  Young People’s Substance Misuse Service:
  01793 465040
• On Trak Youth Counselling Service:
  A counselling service aimed at young people aged 14-19 in the Swindon area.
  01793 612969
  www.homelessuk.org
• Childline:
  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.
  0800 1111
  www.childline.org.uk
• NSPCC:
  Expert advice from NSPCC advisors, who are all trained child protection officers.
  0808 8005000
  www.nspcc.org.uk
• Alateen:
  For young people, aged 12 to 20, who are affected by a problem drinker.
  020 7403 0888 (Helpline 10am - 10pm, 365 days a year)
  www.al-anonuk.org.uk
• National Drugs Helpline (also called Talk to Frank):
  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.
  0800 776600
  www.talktofrank.com
• Sexwise:
  A free, confidential advice line on sex, relationships and contraception for young people aged 18 or under.
  0800 282930
  www.ruthinking.co.uk
• National Bullying Helpline:
  For anyone affected by bullying issues.
  www.nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk
• Samaritans:
  08457 909090 (24 hour helpline).
  www.samaritans.org.uk