Safeguarding
Safeguarding is at the heart of what we do.
The Gap (Midlands) is fully committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of young people and children. We understand the role we play in safeguarding the youngest, and most vulnerable members of our community.
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We have put together contact details of some organisations below who offer helplines for those who need immediate help with anxiety, feeling low, suicidal or stressed or are facing online abuse, sextortion or revenge porn blackmail.
We recognise that this is the responsibility of everyone and we all, trustees, staff, volunteers and visitors, have an important role to play. As a Charity we must have regard to current legislation when carrying out our duties to safeguard and promote the welfare of young people. It is the role of the Trustees to ensure that the appropriate mechanisms are in place to assist staff and volunteers to understand and discharge their roles and responsibilities as set out in current legislation with regard to safeguarding young people.
We firmly believe that:
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All young people have the right to be protected from harm
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Young people need to feel safe and to be safe in our care
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We can contribute to the prevention of abuse including physical, sexual, emotional, neglect, bullying, extreme behaviours, discriminatory views and risk taking behaviour
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Young people need support that matches their individual needs, including those who may have experienced abuse
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In accordance with statutory guidance all The Gap staff and volunteers receive regular safeguarding training.
If you have a concern that any young person or child is being harmed, is at risk of harm, or you receive information (intentionally or unintentionally) you must contact a member of staff as soon as possible or alternatively email the Lead DSL safeguarding@thegap-midlands.org
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Read our Safeguarding Policy here.
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Organisations who can help and support
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The Children's Advice and Support Service (CASS) provides a single point of contact for professionals and members of the public who want to access support or raise concerns about a child.
Monday to Thursday: 8:45am to 5:15pm, Friday: 8:45am to 4:15pm Telephone: 0121 303 1888
Emergency out-of-hours Telephone: 0121 675 4806
www.birmingham.gov.uk/cass​​
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Birmingham City Council - The Prevent Duty
The aim of Prevent is to stop people from becoming terrorists or supporting terrorism. Prevent also extends to supporting the rehabilitation and disengagement of those already involved in terrorism.
You can find guidance here Prevent duty guidance: England and Wales (2023)
For any Prevent related enquiries, or to make a referral for a young person at risk of radicalisation you can email prevent@birmingham.gov.uk
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Childline
A confidential helpline for children and young people.
Telephone: 0800 1111
www.childline.org.uk​​
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Childnet
Online safety for young people.
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Forward Thinking Birmingham (NHS) - Crisis Café
Those seeking advice and information for people experiencing mental health difficulties, and not a mental health crisis, are encouraged to call the Birmingham Mind Mental Health Helpline 0121 262 3555 or Freephone 0800 915 9292 between 9am and 11pm.
​www.forwardthinkingbirmingham.nhs.uk/get-help-urgently
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Message a text line
If you do not want to talk to someone over the phone, these text lines are open 24 hours a day, every day.
Shout Crisis Text Line – for everyone
Text: "SHOUT" to 85258
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YoungMinds Crisis Messenger – for people under 19
Text: "YM" to 85258
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Internet Watch Foundation
The IWF can help remove and eliminate child sexual abuse images online.
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Mind
Mental health support and advice on self harming.​
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NHS
The NHS website in the UK has a wealth of useful health information and is a trusted resource for those looking for help and advice. Specific information in case of suicidal thoughts or self harming.
​www.nhs.uk​
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Further information regarding how to keep young people and children safe, identifying and preventing abuse and what help is available can be found on the NSPCC website:
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000 UK only, currently available 10am–4pm Monday to Friday., emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk or completing a report abuse online form.
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Papyrus UK - Prevention of Young Suicide - HOPELINE247
HOPELINE247 is a confidential support and advice service for children and young people under the age of 35 who are experiencing thoughts of suicide, or anyone concerned that a young person could be thinking about suicide.
If you are having thoughts of suicide or are concerned for a young person who might be you can contact HOPELINE247 for confidential support and practical advice. Opening Hours - 24 Hours, 7 days a week (Weekends and Bank Holidays included)
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Call: 0800 068 4141
Text: 88247
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If someone or yourself is in immediate danger:
Telephone: 999 Emergency
Telephone: 101 Non emergency
​www.gov.uk/contact-police​​
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Revenge Porn Helpline
This is a confid​ential helpline for adults over 18 years old seeking advance about revenge porn or sextortion blackmail or abuse. www.revengepornhelpline.org.uk
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If you are a child under 18 years old then please contact:
Childline telephone: 0800 1111
Child Exploitation and Online Protection ​command, which is part of the National Crime Agency.
Contact the CEOP Safety Centre for reporting an incident.
Contact the Police on 999 if someone is in immediate danger.
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A confidential helpline
Telephone: 116 123
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Sextortion
Please see Revenge Porn Helpline for adults over 18 and Childline and the Child Exploitation and Online Protection Safety above if a child is under 18 years of age.
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Space​ - Text "Space" to 85258
For anxiety, low mood or stress. Available from 4th August 2025 this is a new and free confidential 24/7 mental health text support service for Birmingham and Solihull. They offer instant support from trained professionals day or night.
Text: "Space" to 85258
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Young Minds
Useful information, resources and help for young people and parents.​