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In this episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Tamsin Sheldrake from the NSPCC about the organization's vital role in safeguarding children.

Tamsin discusses her work within the Schools Service Team, focusing on various programs designed to educate children and support schools in addressing safeguarding issues.

The conversation covers the NSPCC's 10-year strategy, the importance of a whole school approach, and the various resources available for teachers and parents.

Tamsin also highlights the significance of Childline and the adult helpline, emphasising the need for community involvement and volunteer support in safeguarding efforts.

Links to information referenced in this episode:

Working with schools | NSPCC

NSPCC | Volunteers

NSPCC Helpline | NSPCC

Childline | NSPCC

Common Sense Media: www.commonsense.org

Reflective Questions for Professionals Based on this Episode

1. How well do we ensure that everyone in our organisation or team—regardless of role or seniority—feels prepared and confident to respond to safeguarding concerns or disclosures from children, young people, or families?

Consider whether all staff, volunteers, and professionals know how to respond and where to seek support, not just those in specialist safeguarding roles.

2. In what ways are we embedding safeguarding principles and resources into our everyday practice, rather than relying on occasional training or one-off communications?

Reflect on how safeguarding is part of your organisational culture, ongoing conversations, and routine activities, ensuring it’s a “golden thread” throughout your work.

3. What emerging challenges—such as online safety, mental health, or social isolation—are we noticing among the people we support, and how are we adapting our approaches and resources to meet these evolving needs?

Discuss recent trends or concerns, and explore how your team can proactively respond, including signposting to relevant support services or updating your own knowledge and resources.

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

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In todays episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Alison Jenkinson and Tim McDonald from Avon and Somerset Police’s Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit.

They unpack the unit’s vital role in protecting children and vulnerable individuals, handling over 100,000 tasks annually and work to liaise across multiagency partners and respond to the complex needs of families.

Topics include domestic abuse, mental health, child exploitation, trauma-informed practice, and multi-agency collaboration and explores the challenges of information sharing, the importance of trauma-informed practice, and the evolving landscape of safeguarding in response to new legislation and societal needs.

A must-listen for anyone working in or curious about safeguarding.

Reflective Questions Based on this Episode:

How effectively are we identifying and responding to mental health concerns in children and families, especially when there is no clear referral pathway?

• Consider gaps in current practice and opportunities for better collaboration with mental health services.

In what ways can we strengthen our trauma-informed approach when communicating with victims or reviewing safeguarding concerns?

• Reflect on language, tone, and timing, especially in high-stress or sensitive situations.

How can we improve multi-agency information sharing to prevent repeat safeguarding incidents and ensure timely support for vulnerable individuals?

• Think about current barriers and practical steps to enhance coordination across services.

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

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Recently I was asked how if a Young Person had a concern about exploitation or any type of crime how can they report this as many of the reporting routes we talk about are aimed at professionals, so in todays episode I've been lucky enough to speak to Lauren and Georgie from Fearless - part of Crimestoppers about exactly that.

As well as talking about reporting crime we explore some of the potential barriers to this, how to talk about it with Young People and how professionals can help to support and spread the word.

Find out more, including how to get hold of their fabulous resources at the Fearless website: www.fearless.org

Reflective Questions Based on this Episodes:

1. How can we better empower young people to report concerns about crime or exploitation, especially considering the barriers such as fear of repercussions, distrust of authorities, and stigma around “snitching”?

• Consider what practical steps your team can take to build trust, clarify the difference between snitching and reporting, and promote safe, anonymous reporting options like Fearless.

2. In what ways are we currently engaging with young people to ensure their voices, experiences, and feedback shape our safeguarding approaches and/or resources?

• Reflect on whether your team is co-designing campaigns, resources, or interventions with young people, and how you might strengthen youth participation and feedback loops.

3. How can we as professionals and organisations work collaboratively—both internally and with external partners—to raise awareness of anonymous reporting services and ensure young people know where to turn if they have concerns?

• Discuss strategies for embedding services like Fearless into your work, sharing resources, and leveraging trusted relationships to spread the message effectively.

Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk

To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.