This article was sent to safeguarding professionals on our mailing list on 06/08/2024.
We know that you will all be aware of the terrible events that took place in Southport. Our thoughts are with the children and families along with everyone else involved in or affected by this tragedy.
The riots and disorder from far-right protestors across the country and in our communities that have followed has compounded the existing traumas experienced. We stand against all forms of hate towards any community and stand in solidarity with those who have been affected.
The latest information from Avon and Somerset Police can be found on their Avon and Somerset website and on Bristol City Council Website Demonstration disruption (bristol.gov.uk)
The Local Safeguarding Partners want to ensure that education settings and all partners supporting our children are supported during this difficult time. Although it is the holidays, many of you are still open and supporting your children and families. We want to thank the our partners for their efforts to ensure our children and young people are having positive and enjoyable experiences over the holidays.
We hope the following can be supportive in you being able to act and or access support/guidance:
If you have any intelligence that a child and or family have been directly involved in either victimisation and or criminal acts, then please follow your normal safeguarding procedures.
Please also see the section on emotional wellbeing for those who may have resonated with the tragic events in Southport.
We know that some your settings either directly or indirectly may be vulnerable to the impact of criminal acts and disorder.
Education professionals and those working with children and young people are privileged in having positive relationships with their communities and are likely to be made aware of any planned events. You are likely to hear of intelligence of harm that have already taken place.
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It is likely that children, families, and member of your setting’s community are affected in different ways and processing a range of different feelings and emotions.
We are mindful that events are likely for you to question the need to act under Prevent. Be minded that some of the activities covered in the media are criminal. These should be reported as a crime via 101.
Please do take this as an opportunity to refresh yourself and staff’s knowledge around how and when to act.
We thank you for your ongoing commitment and support to our children, families, and communities during this difficult time.