Help and Signposting
Help and Signposting for Youth Zone Website (YZW)
Welcome to our Help and Signposting Page. Please take a look at the below subject headings, to see what help and support is available to you in Swindon and Wiltshire
Anti-Bullying (including Cyberbullying)
NSPCC (Both Swindon and Wiltshire – National Agency)
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
Helpline: 0808 800 5000
What for?
The NSPCC work to protect children from harm and prevent abuse. On their website you will find information on safety inside and outside of the home, children’s mental health, and how to report child abuse. There is a ‘Support for Parents’ section for information on different areas such as mental health and parenting, as well as advice on how to deal with difficult situations.
Childline (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.childline.org.uk
Helpline: 0800 1111
What for?
Get help and advice about a wide range of issues, talk to a counsellor on the phone or online, send Childline an email or post on the message boards. Topics include bullying, relationships, school, and family.
https://www.childline.org.uk/somethings-not-right (June 2021 Launch)
Internet Safety (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
UK Safer Internet Centre
Website: www.saferinternet.org.uk
Helpline: Revenge Porn Helpline, 03456 000 459
What for?
UK Safer Internet Centre offers advice and guidance to young people, parents and professionals around staying safe online. This includes information on e-safety, types of harm, and a parents’ guide to technology. On their website, you can report harmful online content and call for advice using the helpline number above.
Internet Matters (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.internetmatters.org/
Helpline: Online resource with educational packs on Internet Safety (https://www.internetmatters.org/schools-esafety/)
What for?
From age-specific online safety checklists to guides on how to set parental controls on a range of devices, you'll find a host of practical tips to help children get the most out of their digital world.
ThinkUKnow (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.thinkuknow.co.uk/
Helpline: 0370 496 7622
What for?
‘ThinkUKnow’ is the education programme from NCA-CEOP, a UK organisation which protects children both online and offline. Explore one of the six ‘ThinkUKnow’ websites for advice about staying safe when you or a child is on a phone, tablet or computer.
Ask About Games (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.askabout.games.com
Helpline: 02075 340 590
What for?
‘Ask About Games’ answer questions parents and players have about video game age ratings, provide advice on how to play games safely and responsibly, and offer families helpful tips to ensure they get the most out of the games they enjoy together.
Childnet – Parent and Carer Toolkit (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.childnet.com/parents-and-carers/parent-and-carer-toolkit
Helpline: 0207 639 6967
What for?
The Childnet Parent and Carer Toolkit will provide three resources that offer practical tips and advice on different aspects of keeping your child safe online. They can help support parents and carers of any age child to start discussions about their online life, to set boundaries around online behaviour and technology use, and to find out where to get more help and support.
South West Grid For Learning (SWGfL) – Resource Portal (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://swgfl.org.uk/resources/
Helpline: 0345 601 3203
What for?
SWGfL specialise in supporting schools, agencies and families to affect lasting change with the safe and secure use of technology. They have built an international reputation for developing multi award-winning educational online safety tools, services and resources.
SafeToNet - (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://safetonet.com/foundation/covid/
What For?
SafeToNet is an app for parents to help them safeguard their children from online risks like cyberbullying and sexting, whilst respecting their child’s rights to privacy. The SafeToNet Foundation is providing UK families with free access to 1 million licences during the coronavirus pandemic.
Net Aware (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.net-aware.org.uk (via the NSPCC)
Helpline: 0800 1111
What for?
Net Aware is a guide for parents to the most popular sites, apps and games that young people use. Using reviews from adults and children, it helps parents decide if a site is right for their child, if it is age appropriate and explores what risks they might encounter, enabling parents or professionals to help keep their children safe online. The NSPCC have just launched a refreshed Net Aware site.
Parent Info – via CEOP and The Parent Zone (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://parentinfo.org/
What for?
Parent Info is a collaboration between Parent Zone and CEOP, providing support and guidance for parents and carers related to the digital world from leading experts and organisations.
Own It (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.bbc.com/ownit
What for?
The BBC have a website and app called ‘Own It’. The website has a lot of content for children to help them navigate their online lives, and the free smartphone app comes with a special keyboard which can intervene with help and support in the moments that children need it the most. It can be downloaded for free in the Google Play Store and Apple App Store.
Police Resources – Cyber Safety Activity Packs – Keeping Children Safe During The Holidays (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.hampshire-pcc.gov.uk/cyber-safety-activity-packs-keep-children-safe-during-the-holidays
What for?
Activity packs containing a range of tasks/activities to help children learn about search engines, online gaming apps and chat platforms; helping to recognise cyber-bullying, the dangers of befriending online and exploring concepts such as privacy and safer gaming in an appropriate language for young people.
ASB / Hate Crime (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Fearless
Website: www.fearless.org
What for?
Fearless is a site where you can access non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. At fearless.org, you can pass on information without giving any personal details using their 100% anonymous reporting tool. You will also find an A-Z of crime types and information on County Lines.
Fearless also have 15 Outreach Workers across the country, email [email protected] to find out if you have a worker in your area.
Educate Against Hate (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://educateagainsthate.com/parents/
What For?
The Educate Against Hate Parents’ Hub provides resources and government advice for parents and carers on keeping young people safe from extremism, including online.
Let’s Talk About It (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.ltai.info/staying-safe-online/
What For?
Let’s Talk About It provides support for parents and carers to keep children safe from online radicalisation.
Online Exploitation / Sexting Awareness
The Lucy Faithfull Foundation’s ‘Parents Protect’ (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.parentsprotect.co.uk
What for?
The Parents Protect website provides advice on how to help protect children from child sexual abuse.
Child Exploitation Online Protection (CEOP) Portal / ‘Parent Zone’ (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.ceop.police.uk
Helpline: Via ‘Childline’ – 0800 1111
What for?
CEOP are here to help and give you and children advice, and you can make a report directly to them if something has happened online which has made children feel unsafe, scared or worried. This might be from someone they know in real life, or someone they have only ever met online. CEOP take all reports seriously and they will do everything they can to keep you safe.
‘Zip It App’ – via Childline (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.childline.org.uk/info-advice/bullying-abuse-safety/online-mobile-safety/sexting/zipit-app/
Helpline: 0800 1111
What for?
If someone is trying to get a young person to send inappropriate content, the ‘Zipit’ app (downloadable from the Google Play store or Apple App Store) can help keep the situation under control.
Respond to unwanted chat with the power of GIFs taken straight from the app and use the flirting guide to navigate intimate chats, including tips from other young people.
Stop It Now! (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.stopitnow.org.uk/
What for?
You can contact Stop It Now for information and advice if you have concerns about someone’s behaviour, including children who may be displaying concerning sexual behaviour.
Marie Collins Foundation (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://www.mariecollinsfoundation.org.uk/
What for?
You can contact The Marie Collins Foundation via email on [email protected] for support, including advice and individual counselling, for your child if they have been subjected to online sexual abuse - support is also offered to parents and carers.
The Internet Watch Foundation (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: https://report.iwf.org.uk/en
What for?
If you see sexual images or videos of someone under 18 years of age online, report it anonymously to the Internet Watch Foundation who can work to remove them from the web and help to identify victims and survivors.
The Young Gamers and Gamblers Education Trust (YGAM) (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.ygam.org
Helpline: 0203 837 4963
What for?
YGAM is a national charity with a social purpose to inform, educate, safeguard and build digital resilience amongst young and vulnerable people. Helping them to make informed decisions and understand the consequences around gambling and gaming.
Drug Awareness (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Talk To Frank
Website: Honest information about drugs | FRANK (talktofrank.com)
Helpline: 0300 1236600
What for?
Find out everything you need to know about drugs, their effects and the law.
Motiv8 (Wiltshire)
Website: Motiv8 Wiltshire | DHI (dhi-online.org.uk)
Helpline: 0800 1696136
What for?
Motiv8 is a substance misuse service for young people aged 11-18 in Wiltshire.
We provide advice, guidance and one-to-one sessions for young people who are having problems with drugs and/or alcohol. The service is free and confidential, and we aim to provide a flexible and non-judgemental space for young people to be open about the problems they are facing.
UTurn (Swindon)
Website: The Dock Swindon - Uturn
Helpline: 01793 464662 or 07766368328
What for?
UTURN is a specialist service that provides support, help and guidance to young people (and their families) who have alcohol and/or drug-related problems. The service encompasses all illicit substances, solvents and prescribed medication but excludes the use of tobacco.
Mental Health Awareness
Kooth (Swindon)
Website: www.kooth.com
Helpline: Online Chatroom for support on website
What for?
Kooth is an online counselling and emotional well-being platform for children and young people, accessible through mobile, tablet and desktop and free to use. On Kooth you can chat to a friendly counsellor, read articles written by young people, write in a daily journal, and get support from the Kooth community.
Rise Above ??
Website: www.riseabove.org.uk
What for?
Rise Above is where you will find interesting and useful stuff from the web and beyond to get us all talking about the things that matter to us. You’ll find inspiring and useful stories, videos, games and advice. Topics include mental health, online safety and healthy relationships.
Samaritans (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: www.samaritans.org
Helpline: 116 123
What for?
Samaritans are a charity working towards preventing suicide. They provide non-judgemental advice through their 24/7 helpline above. You can also talk to a Samaritan by email or visit them in one of their branches across the UK. The Samaritans website has support and advice for anyone in crisis, or what you can do if you know of someone else who needs support.
Barnardos – The See, Hear, Respond Support Hub (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website(s): https://www.barnardos.org.uk/see-hear-respond/self-referral and https://www.barnardos.org.uk/support-hub
What for?
Barnardos has a central place for you to explore, where you can find information, resources & tools - from practical advice on how to talk to your children about the Covid-19 pandemic, to tips on managing anxiety and much more.
Young Minds (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: Resources — YoungMinds
Helpline: 0808 8025544
What for?
Young Minds want to see a world where no young person feels alone with their mental health, and all young people get the mental health support they need, when they need it, no matter what.
LGBTQ+ Networks
Stonewall (Wilts)
Website: Schools & colleges | Stonewall
Helpline: 0800 0502020
What for?
Stonewall empower LGBT people to be their authentic selves, enabling them to realise and achieve their full potential, and empower LGBT people and allies to create positive change.
Out of the Can (Both Swindon and Wiltshire - National Agency)
Website: Out of the can swindon lgbt youth
Helpline / Contact: Contact | Out of the can swindon lgbt youth
What for?
OOTC are a young person led LGBTQ+ action youth group aged between 13 – 19 years old. The group will give you the freedom to be yourself in a supportive environment and chilled out space.
Domestic Abuse
SWA (Swindon)
Website: www.swadomesticabuse.org
Helpline / Contact: 01793 610610 (24 hour line)
What for?
Helping male AND female victims of Domestic Abuse in Swindon.
Spiltz (Wiltshire)
Website: www.spiltz.org
Helpline / Contact: 01225 775 276. Email: [email protected] [email protected] (secure email address)
What for?
Helping male AND female victims of Domestic Abuse in Wiltshire.
If a Crime has been committed, you can:
- Call Wiltshire Police on 101 (Non-Urgent) or 999 (Emergency) if a crime is in progress.
- You can also you the Wiltshire Police Website to report Crimes please see the below link, and use the “Report” tab: