Safeguarding - Pupil Zone

Remember you can always contact us if you need support or just want to talk to someone. We are only a phone-call away. 

 

School Contacts

Safeguarding Lead: Dee Stanton, dee.stanton@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk

Safeguarding Officer: Sarah Sharkey, sarah.sharkey@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk

School Counsellor: Sarah Farrer. sarah.farrer@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk 

SENCO: Richard Stevenson, richard.stevenson@georgeeliotacademy.org.uk

Bereavement

Information

·       Build your own Grief Toolkit

·       When someone Special Dies

Useful Websites

·       Dealing with grief and loss | Mental health advice | YoungMinds

·       Bereavement | Papyrus

·       Suicide bereavement support | Papyrus

·       Cruse Bereavement Support

Helplines

·       Winston’s Wish T: Call us for free on 08088 020 021 between 8am-8pm, weekdays

Child Criminal Exploitation, Youth Violence, and Gangs

Information

Children and young people involved with gangs and criminal exploitation need help and support. They might be victims of violence or pressured into doing things like stealing or carrying drugs or weapons. They might be abused, exploited and put into dangerous situations.

Often, when young people experience harm in the community, they are made to feel they cannot tell anyone about what is happening. This means that young people can feel trapped by certain places and spaces, and they may begin to withdraw from their relationships with trusted adults but we want to reassure you that you will be listened to and supported if you find yourself in tricky situations with risky people.

Useful Websites

·       Police have created this video to help you understand the risks of criminal exploitation https://youtu.be/afkyylygncc  

·       Criminal exploitation and gangs | NSPCC

·       Lesson: Grooming, exploitation and coercion | Oak National Academy

Child Sexual Exploitation and Grooming

Information

Grooming and child sexual exploitation (CSE) can happen to any young person. This is a form of sexual abuse where children are manipulated or coerced into sexual activity. This can occur through physical contact, online grooming, or through other technological means. Grooming is the process of building a relationship of trust or friendship with a child to abuse them and can sometimes be done very gradually so it is difficult to know it is happening. Groomers can use tactics such as gifts, special attention, and secret communication to gain control and manipulate the child.

Useful Websites

·       Is this OK? is a free, confidential and anonymous digital service for young people aged between 13-18 at risk of, or currently experiencing sexual or criminal exploitation and/or abuse. Young people can talk to a chatbot who will guide them to local information and support or connect them to a trained professional.

·       Sometimes relationships aren't what they seem. Can you see the signs that something isn't right in this relationship? Would you know what to do if this were happening to you, or your friend? Watch: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w6vYbZSUL5U

·       FACE is a group of young people, male and female, who are aware of the dangers of grooming and sexual exploitation who have created the Face Up To It website to help other young people who are vulnerable or taking risks. The website aims to let young people know about the dangers and give information about how to keep safe. You can check whether your relationship is healthy and safe, find out about consent, taking selfies and sexting and more.

Helplines

·       Childline. Phone: 0800 1111 or use the online chat app.

·       Samaritans.  Phone: 116 123.

Drugs and Alcohol Support

Useful Websites

·       Drugwise – Topical, evidence-based and non-judgemental advice on drugs

·       Drugs - information and support — Teen Health 11 - 19 Service

·       Talk to Frank – Honest Information about Drugs

·       Online chat for young people | Change Grow Live

Helplines

·       Compass: A free, confidential substance misuse service for support around your own or another’s drug or alcohol use.  Call 01788 578 227 during office hours.  

·       Talk to Frank - Free confidential drugs information and advice line. Phone: 0300 1236600

·       Childline – A free, confidential service for young people under the age of 19 in the UK to support you with any issues you are going through. Phone: 0800 1111

o   Drugs

o   Alcohol

o   Smoking

Eating Disorders

Useful Websites

·       BEAT Eating Disorders

·       NHS: Body Positive

Helplines

Beat Eating Disorders T: 0808 801 0677

Our Helplines are open from 3pm– 8pm, Monday to Friday and calls are free.

Healthy Bodies and Sexual Health

Useful Websites

·       HealthTalk is an A-Z guide of young people's health-related topics

·       Confidential sexual health and wellbeing

·       The Sexual Health Hub provides free, confidential services in Warwickshire

·       Sexual Health | Staying Healthy - Young Person | Healthier Together

·       Brook provide free and confidential sexual health and wellbeing help and advice

·       The Sexual Health Hub provides free, confidential services for all ages online and in person. View their website to view information about sexual health, find out where sexual health clinics are in Coventry and Warwickshire, order a free STI test and free morning after pill.

·       Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - NHS

Helplines

·       If you would like to speak to a nurse regarding a health and wellbeing concern for free, confidential support, you can text one of their messaging services: ChatHealth T: 07507 331525

·       Connect for Health - Call T: 03300 245204 or email connectforhealth@compass-uk.org

Healthy Relationships

Information

·       Exploring Healthy Relationships Resource Pack

·       2022-ENG-Teen-PC-Equality-Wheels.pdf

Useful Websites

·       Disrespect Nobody is a site for young people about relationships and what is disrespectful and unacceptable behaviour. Read up on different types of abuse and find information on who can help.

·       Sex and consent | Advice for young people | YoungMinds

·       Respect - Responding to Young People's use of violence

·       Is this OK? is a free, confidential and anonymous digital service for young people aged between 13-18 at risk of, or currently experiencing sexual or criminal exploitation and/or abuse. Young people can talk to a chatbot who will guide them to local information and support or connect them to a trained professional.

Helplines

·       Childline. Phone: 0800 1111 or use the online chat app.

·       Samaritans.  Phone: 116 123.

LGBTQIAS+

Useful Websites

·       LGBT Foundation – A national charity with LGBTQ+ health and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do.

·       Homepage - Mermaids

·       Warwickshire Pride | A registered charity for the organisation of LGBT+ services and events

·       For LGBTQ+ Young People - The Proud Trust

·       Young Futures | Stonewall

Helplines

The LGB Helpline | Lesbian, Gay & Bisexual Helpline : For same-sex attracted young people aged 13 to 24. Live chat with us on Tuesdays between 3pm and 6pm & Thursdays between 4pm and 7pm, or leave a message any other time.

Mermaids: Mermaids' helpline offers free, confidential and non-judgemental support via phone, email, text and web chat. T: 0808 8010400

Mental Health and Wellbeing

Information

·       A Guide on Depression

·       A Guide to Anxiety

·       A Guide on Self-Harm

·       A Guide on Stress

·       A Guide on Asking for Help

·       Self-harm | Papyrus

·       Suicide Prevention - Distraction Techniques

·       Suicide safety plan | Papyrus

Useful Websites

·       RISE, formally known as CAMHS has a website with lots of advice  

·       Mind: We understand mental health and wellbeing

·       Young Minds. You are not alone 

·       Kooth: Online support and counselling. Discussion boards - anxiety, relationship advice, kooth journal - like online diary. Kooth chat messenger - to chat to friendly team for advice

·       Papyrus UK Suicide Prevention | Prevention of Young Suicide

 

Helplines

If you feel like you need help, or just need someone to talk to, there are many organisations out there. Don't wait until you feel overwhelmed - if you need help, call. They won't think you are wasting their time and will be happy to listen. Many offer text or chat services too.

·       Childline. Childline is a free, private and confidential service where you can talk about anything. Whatever your worry, whenever you need help, we’re here for you online, on the phone, anytime. Phone: 0800 1111 or use the online chat app.

·       Samaritans. Samaritans provides confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day for people who are experiencing feelings of distress or despair, including those which may lead to suicide. You don't have to be suicidal to call us. We are here for you if you're worried about something, feel upset or confused, or you just want to talk to someone.  Phone: 116 123.

·       The Mix. The Mix offers support to anyone under 25 about anything that’s troubling them. Email support available via their online contact form. Free 1-2-1 webchat service available. Free short-term counselling service available. Phone: 0808 808 4994 Opening times: 4pm - 11pm, seven days a week.

·       PAPYRUS - Are you, or is a young person you know, not coping with life? For confidential suicide prevention advice contact 0800 0684141. 9am-12am 7 days a week.

·       Hopeline247. Here for you 24 hours a day, every single day of the year. Call us on 0800 068 4141, text 88247 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org

·       YoungMinds. Crisis Messenger text service provides free, 24/7 crisis support across the UK. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis and need support, you can text YM to85258. 

·       RISE. Rise provides emotional wellbeing and mental health services for children and young people. If you are calling between the hours of 8am and 8pm: 02476 641799. If you are calling between the hours of 8pm and 8am: 02476 93800.

·       Kooth is a digital mental health and wellbeing platform, which provides a welcoming space for digital mental health care, available to young people. Kooth can help children and young people like you to feel safe and confident in exploring your concerns and seeking professional support.

Online Safety

Information

Teenagers can enhance their online safety by being aware of potential risks and communicating openly about online behaviour.

Key Online Safety Tips for Teenagers:

1.      Think Before your Share: Always consider the implications of sharing personal information online. Remember that anything posted can potentially be permanent and may be seen by others including future employers or school. Use the rule: ‘If in doubt, leave it out’.

2.      Manage Privacy Settings: Adjust privacy settings on social media platforms to control who can see your posts and personal information.

3.      Be Cautious with Strangers: Avoid engaging with unknown individuals online. Always report suspicious behaviour to a trusted adult and block the other user.

4.      Recognise Cyberbullying: Understand what cyberbullying is and how to identify it. If you or someone you know is being bullied online, talk to someone who can help such as parents or school staff.

5.      Use Reliable Sources: When accessing information online, ensure that the sources are trustworthy and verify facts before sharing them.

6.      Report Inappropriate Content: If you encounter harmful or inappropriate content (including sexual content that makes you feel uncomfortable), report it to the platform and inform a trusted adult.

7.      Support Friends: Be a good friend online by standing up against bullying and supporting peers who may be struggling. Check in with friends to ensure they are okay and encourage open discussions about online experiences. 

8.      Educate Yourself: Stay informed about the latest online safety practices and potential risks. Resources like the NSPCC and Internet Matters provide valuable information and tools for teenagers to navigate the digital world safely. 

Useful Websites

·       Help if you have shared a nude online

·       Taking Control of Your Online Safety

·       Shore - A safe space for teenagers worried about sexual behaviour

·       If you are worried about images or videos of yourself or another child being online, you can use the NSPCC’s Report Remove tool to get these images taken down. 

 

Helplines

·       Childline. Phone: 0800 1111 or use the online chat app.

·       Samaritans.  Phone: 116 123.

  

 

 

Runaway

 

For anyone thinking of running away, or who has already done so, the Runaway Helpline provides 24/7 help, information, support and options.  Their helpline and text number is 116000. 

Young Carers

Who is a young carer?

Young carers are children and young people who look after someone in their family who has a disability, a long-term illness, or is affected by mental ill health or substance misuse. Young carers may look after parents, care for a brother or sister, or another family member.

When you spend most of your time looking after other people it’s easy to forget to look after yourself too. But it’s really important – because unless you’re fit, healthy and relaxed you can’t do a great deal for others.

 

Useful Websites

Young Carers - Caring Together Warwickshire

Young Carer Health Champions 17/18 Comic

Kooth is a digital mental health and wellbeing platform, which provides a welcoming space for digital mental health care, available to young people. Kooth can help children and young people like you to feel safe and confident in exploring your concerns and seeking professional support.

 

 

 

Pupil Wellbeing Booklet

Pupil Wellbeing Booklet

We are pleased to share our new Pupil Wellbeing Booklet, designed to support the emotional, mental and physical wellbeing of our pupils. The booklet brings together helpful information, guidance and signposting to support available both in school and beyond, helping pupils understand where they can turn for help and how to look after their wellbeing.

The booklet reflects our ongoing commitment to creating a safe, supportive and inclusive school environment where every pupil feels valued and listened to.

A digital copy is available below. Physical copies are also available from the school on request.

Access your digital Pupil Wellbeing Booklet

United Learning Hub

United Learning comprises: United Learning Ltd (Registered in England No: 00018582. Charity No. 313999) UCST (Registered in England No: 2780748. Charity No. 1016538) and ULT (Registered in England No. 4439859. An Exempt Charity). Companies limited by guarantee.
Registered address: United Learning, Worldwide House, Thorpe Wood, Peterborough, PE3 6SB.

Financial Accountability and Freedom of Information

United Learning