Child Protection Safeguarding Children

‘Child Protection is Everybody’s Business’

The safety and welfare of children and young people is the responsibility of the Local Authority, working in partnership with other public organisations, the voluntary sector and service users and carers.

North Somerset PCT is committed to working with partner agencies in order to assist in the safeguarding of children, and to this end have appointed a Designated Doctor and Nurse and a Named GP as their lead child protection professionals. These health professionals take the lead for the PCT and build strong links between all agencies that help to promote the health and safety of the children and young people within North Somerset. They are also actively involved in providing child protection training to all health professionals within the PCT and the acute hospital in Weston-super-Mare.

At the same time it is important to emphasise that ‘child protection is everybody’s business.’ All members of the community can help to safeguard and promote the welfare of children and young people, if they are mindful of the needs of children and would be willing to pass on any concerns that they might have.

All our front line staff are acutely aware of the devastating affect that Domestic Abuse has on children and families, and are actively involved with all the agencies who work in this arena. In particular, North Somerset Against Domestic Abuse (NADA) provides one to one support and advocacy to women across North Somerset. Tel. 01934 627841

The Women’s Project offers low cost counselling, an emergency fund and a weekly support group.Tel 01934-429811 (answer machine). These organisations can put victims (both adults and children) in touch with other agencies who can also provide help and support

The Designated/Named Doctor-Deborah Barff is based at Drove House, Drove Road, Weston -super-Mare. 01934-418804

The Designated/Named Nurse- Pat Richards is based at Waverley House Old Church Road Clevedon 01275-546713

The Named GP Dr Mike Pimm has his Surgery in Weston-super-Mare. 01934-515878

For information on the South West Child Protection Procedures please go to: www.swcpp.org.uk

Safeguard reporting system [staff only]