Child safeguarding contacts

Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH)

The Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is made up of representatives from children’s social care co-located with professionals from the Met Police and the NHS. The MASH also has virtual links with other partner agencies such as education, housing, probation, the youth offending team and the UK Border Agency. If there are any other agencies working with a family, for example domestic violence services, alcohol and drug services, or another relevant agency the MASH may contact these agencies for information.

The purpose of the Multi Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) is to improve the quality of information that is shared between professionals in order to make timely and informed decisions about risk based on accurate and up to date information. The MASH sits separate but alongside the front door services in each respective local authority. The “front door” refers to the separate teams that each local authority has to receive referrals when there are worries about a child. The MASH is able to provide a brief risk assessment and recommendation to the front door services in Hammersmith and Fulham, Kensington and Chelsea, and Westminster. This is to assist in improving the quality of safeguarding decisions for children and their families in order to provide them with the most appropriate support and services as soon as possible.

The MASH Service can be contacted via ICAT:

020 8753 6600
Fax: 020 8753 4209
familyservices@lbhf.gov.uk
Out of hours service: 020 8748 8588

Local Authority Designated Officer (LADO) and safeguarding in education

A designated officer from the Local Authority (LADO Service) can intervene when allegations are made within any role for professionals or volunteers involved in working with children, ages from 0 to 18.

The allegations usually occur within education, social care, health and sporting and leisure areas, but are also relevant to professionals employed in the voluntary sector who may not be attached to any organisation.

To make a referral:
Please email LADO Referrals: LADO@lbhf.gov.uk  (monitored Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm)

Speak CAMHS Helpline: 0800 328 4444 

Information on a new service for children and young people under 18 and who live in Hammersmith and Fulham, Ealing or Hounslow and are in need help and support. The aim is to offer telephone support via a helpline number, which includes basic counselling and problem-solving to young people and their families. The helpline is run by healthcare professionals wo are familiar with local services and have a range of specialist knowledge, to help support and advise young people and their families.

Find out more about Speak CAHMS helpline

NSPCC

For children and young people

Childline offers free, confidential advice and support whatever your worry, whenever you need help.

Childline (www.nspcc.org.uk)

You can contact Childline here or on 0800 1111.

For parents and professionals

If you are worried about a child, even if you are unsure, you can call the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk

Barnardo’s

Barnardo’s helps to support some of the most vulnerable children in the UK and their parents and carers. If you would like to find out more about the work Barnardo’s does or how to get involved, please check out their website: Believe in children | Children's charity (barnardos.org.uk)

If you have an immediate concern for the wellbeing of a child or young person, call the police on 999.

Policing efforts in Hammersmith & Fulham

For further information regarding efforts to address crime and anti-social behaviour in Hammersmith & Fulham, please refer to Crime | LBHF.

If you are concerned about a young person being involved in knife crime or other criminal activities, please see: