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Children and young people social care out of hours service

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Emergency services

Call 999 if you are reporting a crime that is in progress or if someone is in immediate danger. Call 111 for urgent health advice.

You should only call if the safety and/or welfare of a child or young person is at serious risk of significant harm, and the situation cannot wait until 9am the next working day.

You can call our out of hours service on 01202 738 256:

  • Monday to Friday, from 5pm to 9am
  • all day Saturdays and Sundays
  • all bank holidays, including Christmas Day and New Year's Day

Outside of these times, you should use the normal daytime contact numbers for the service you need.

If you do not have a number, or are not sure which to call, you can call the Children's First Response Hub on 01202 123 334.

How to know if you should call

You should call us if:

  • you are urgently concerned about the safety or welfare of a child
  • you need to make a referral to safeguard a child or young person who is at risk of harm

How we will respond to your call

We will always listen to you carefully and sensitively, but can only take immediate action if we think you or the person you are calling about is at serious risk.

After taking your phone call, we may:

  • offer advice and information, which may help direct you to other services for support
  • refer you to a social worker who will assess your call for priority against other demands, dependent on the needs of the child

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