You deserve to feel safe, heard and cared for.
You might be having a difficult time, worried about something happening to you, or coming to Childhood Matters.
You don't need to know the name of a service or have the right words to explain everything.
Whatever brought you here, let's find your next step.
Something doesn't feel right?
Perhaps someone is hurting you, frightening you, touching you in a way you don’t want, or asking you to do something that makes you uncomfortable.
You might be left alone when you need an adult, or not getting the food, care or help you need. This could happen at home, at school, online or somewhere else.
You don’t have to be sure it is abuse to ask for help. If someone is hurting you, it is not your fault.
Talk to someone who can help
Choose an adult you trust and feel safe with – a teacher, relative, social worker, doctor or youth worker. It doesn’t have to be someone at home.
If the first person doesn’t help, try another safe adult.
ChildlineFree phone 1800 66 66 66 or online chat.
Any time, day or night.
Childline is a free service run by the ISPCC, separate from Childhood Matters.
“Something is happening that makes me feel unsafe. I need you to listen and help me.”
You could use these words to start a conversation.
Let's make coming here feel less unknown.
You might know the name of your service, or you might only know that someone has arranged support. Both are okay.
I know my service
Ask the person arranging your visit for its name and who you will meet.
I’m not sure yet
Tell the person supporting you what you know. They can help explain your visit.
You can ask questions.
- Who will I meet?
- Can I bring someone?
- What will we do?
- Who will you tell what I say?
You don’t need to have everything worked out before you arrive.
I already know which service I'm coming to
Questions you might have
Ask us a questionWhat if I can't explain everything?
You can start with a few words, write it down, or tell a safe adult that you need help talking about something. You don’t need to explain it perfectly.
Will I get in trouble for telling someone?
You are not doing anything wrong by asking for help. If someone is hurting you, that is not your fault.
Who will you tell?
If you talk to Childhood Matters and we are worried about your safety, we may need to share that concern with people who can help protect you. We will explain what we need to do and what happens next.
What if I'm worried about a friend?
You can tell a safe adult or speak to Childline about your worry. You don’t have to handle it on your own. If your friend is in danger now, call 112 or 999.
Still have questions?
It's okay to feel nervous or unsure.
If there's something you're wondering about, we're here to help.
