Got a Problem?
If you have a problem or need help, this section can give you information and advice, as well as some useful websites that you can use to get help and support.
There are many things that you may be worried about or that you might need some help or advice with. These could include abuse, bullying, exams or drugs.
If you think your problem is to do with abuse, the advice given below should prove useful. If it is about anything else, please read on, as the information and advice further down the page should also be of help.
Abuse
By telling someone, you can stop the abuse.
If you think you are being abused, or have been in the past, it is really important to tell an adult you trust. It isn’t easy. You may feel worried about what will happen if you do. Here are some reasons why you might not want to tell anyone:
- The abuser may have told you to keep quiet and not talk to anybody
- They may have threatened you about what might happen to you or your place in the team if you tell
- They may have said "no one will believe you" or "no one will do anything if you tell."
- You may feel guilty that you didn’t stop the abuse happening.
- The person may be someone who everyone in your sport looks up to – perhaps even your parents.
- You may not want to let your parents down.
- You may even think the problem will go away if you ignore it.
Don’t let any of these things stop you getting help. By telling someone, you can stop the abuse. You’ll also be helping to protect other children from the abuser.
If you don’t feel safe or happy about any part of an activity or session, or if you feel that the way you are being treated is not right, there are people who you can talk to who will be able to help:
- Your mum and dad, or whoever looks after you
- Someone else in your family
- A teacher or coach
- An adult you trust
- The children's services department at your local council (see the 'Useful Contacts' section for the relevant phone number)
Further Information
For further information about who you can talk to, please visit the link 'Useful Contacts' section.
The 'NSPCC' and 'Childline' websites in particular provide alot of support and advice. You may also wish to look at the following leaflets:
Worried? Need to Talk?
An illustrated pocket guide for young people aged 11 to 17 on Child Protection which provides information about the NSPCC and other services that are there to help.
Click here to download the leaflet.
In the Know Magazine
In the know is aimed at children aged 8 to 11 and uses colourful illustrations, quizzes and cartoon strips to help tackle the difficult subject of child abuse.
Click here to download the magazine.
Additional Information
Additionally, you may wish to visit one of the websites below for help and support. These are specifically designed for young people.
There4me
'There4me' is a website for children and young people aged 12-16 years old, who are worried about something and need some help. Help and advice is offered with loads of issues, like abuse, bullying, exams, drugs and self harm.
The website allows you to talk confidentially to an advisor, or search for information about a problem you may have.
Bullying Online
Please click on the link below to be directed to the bullying website which has lots of advice for young people about dealing with bullying.
Thinkuknow
'Thinkuknow' is a website which gives further information about the websites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what's good, what's not and what you can do about it.
Most importantly, there's also a place which anyone can use to report if they feel uncomfortable or worried about someone they are chatting to online.
