Neglect

There is a difference between things you want and things you need. You may want a new games console or a new phone, these however are not things you need.

You need things like enough to eat and drink, clean clothes and being kept safe.

Every young person needs:

• Enough to eat and drink
• Clothes that are clean and warm and shoes that fit and keep your feet dry
• Somewhere warm, dry and comfortable to sleep
• Love, care and support from your parents or carers
• Looking after if you are ill or have been hurt
• To be supported with medication, if or when needed
• Support with your education
• Protection from dangerous situations

It can be hard to recognise if someone is experiencing neglect. If you are worried about someone and notice some of these things:

• They are always hungry, asking for or taking other people’s food
• They often have no lunch money or a packed lunch
• Their clothes seem dirty and they haven’t washed so may be smelly and dirty
• They are often late for school or don’t turn up at all
• They are sent to school when they are feeling really ill
• Their parents don’t seem to know where they are or what they are doing

It can be hard to decide how to support your friend maybe you could start by talking to an adult you trust.

Reasons for Neglect:

There could be lots of reasons why you are being neglected. Your family may be doing their best. But they might just not have enough money. Maybe someone who looks after you has a problem with alcohol or drugs. Or maybe they are having problems with their physical or mental health.

If any of this is happening to you, it's important to tell someone. Every child and young person has the right to be looked after properly. Sometimes parents and carers can't manage this by themselves.

Whatever is happening is not your fault and you can get help.

It can be hard to work out if you're being neglected. Sometimes parents may not even realise they're neglecting their children. If you're worried about anything to do with neglect, you can contact Childline for a chat with a counsellor any time. 

NSPCC

If you want to get help from people in Tameside, then you can ring Tameside’s Public Service Hub for advice and support.

Monday to Friday 8.30am to 5.00pm on 0161 342 4101

Monday to Friday 5.00pm to 8.30 am, weekends and public holidays on 0161 342 2222

Telephone 0800 1111 if you want to talk to someone confidentially (confidentially means it is just between you and the other person. They won’t tell anyone else what you have told them unless they feel you may be in danger).