Keep a caring eye on children during the lockdown

“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,” says Dave Pickard, Independent Chair of the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership.

“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.”

If you are concerned about a child, call the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Children’s Hub on the following numbers (normal office hours):

Hartlepool – 01429 284284

Stockton-on-Tees – 01642 130080

Outside normal office hours call 01642 524552 (both boroughs) and in an immediate emergency call the Police on 101.

General advice is available on the Hartlepool and Stockton-on-Tees Safeguarding Children Partnership’s website here.