See, Hear, Respond service is open for referrals

The pandemic has meant vulnerable children and young people are increasingly hidden from support services. Barnardo’s has launched the new ‘See, Hear, Respond’ service, bringing national and local charities together to identify and support those most at risk at this time of crisis.

This new service has been developed to fill the widening gap for children and young people during COVID-19. From June to 31 October 2020 it will work with schools and other agencies to find those children who are:

• hidden from view
• not receiving support currently from statutory organisations at risk and/or experiencing adverse impact to their health and wellbeing.

The service is open to any child who does not have other support networks at this time who you are concerned about. There is no threshold of need or harm that has to be reached to receive a service.

Through their telephone and online referral service, the service will refer any concerns about a vulnerable child raised to the local partner agency best-placed to help. Support will include:

• an online hub of information
• online counselling and therapy
• face-to-face support for those most affected and at risk of some of today’s most pertinent issues, such as criminal exploitation.
• help for children and young people to reintegrate them back into school.

A  freephone number is available for children and families who wish to self-refer or they can fill out a self-referral online form.

Freephone: 0800 157 7015

Helplines are open from 9am to 9pm Monday to Friday; 10am – 6pm at weekends.

For more information,view the See, Hear, Respond information leaflet for health professionals or visit the Barnardo’s website.