In this section:
Helpful Resources
Let's Stop Abuse Together - A useful resource for survivors of abuse, Professionals, Parents and Carers
Non Judgemental Information and Advice about Crime and Criminality - A Safe Place: Fearless
‘Is This OK?’ is a free, confidential and anonymous, digital gateway for young people aged between 13-18 at risk of, or currently experiencing, sexual or criminal exploitation and/or abuse.
Children and young people can:
Seek local information / support,
Talk to a chatbot
Speak to a trained professional.
The pilot has been funded by BBC Children in Need and delivered in partnership by Missing People and NSPCC/Childline. John Moore University is evaluating the project.
During the initial pilot phase (Sept 2019 – March 2020), the chatbot was accessed 1,746 times. As a result, 344 live chats were initiated by young people; 214 (62%) of these were ‘engaged chats.’ This means the young people were supported to explore risks and their options; and/or helped by an advisor to stay safe; and/or signposted to another service for help. The average length of a chat is around 30 minutes with the longest chat lasting almost three hours.
From the initial findings, online chat works for young people. Young people have said that they are more likely to seek help from professionals via text and online chat where these channels are available.
Help and Support in Suffolk
These are some of the places where you can access help, information and advice on a range of topics.
The Source
One of the main websites for finding information and advice in Suffolk for young people is The Source. The Source is managed by the Engagement Hub within Health, Wellbeing and Children's Services at Suffolk County Council but it is part of a much bigger service that works to support children, young people and families.
The Source has lots of information and advice available to everyone on lots of different subjects including learning, work, health, relationships, housing, money, leisure and transport. You can visit their website to find out more.
They can also help you to contact and get support from a Youth Worker.
ChatHealth
ChatHealth is a new text service for young people aged 11-19. You can text a Suffolk school nurse to ask for confidential help and advice on all kinds of health issues such as sexual health, bullying, healthy eating, self-harm, smoking, drugs and alcohol plus other general health concerns.
The service is available Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm, (but not on bank holidays). You can also use the texting service to make an appointment with your school nurse on the following number 07507 333356.
4YP
4YP is a local charity, which provides guidance and support with issues such as emotional wellbeing, housing and benefits, life skills, budgeting and signposting to other services such as legal advice, healthy living and volunteering. Some of the service 4YP offer are:
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Advice, guidance and support at their centre in Ipswich, between 10am – 5pm each weekday. They have Youth Workers and volunteers who are there to give advice and listen.
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A counselling service provides emotional support and you can access short-term counselling (6-8 weeks).
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4YP run various day and evening groups sessions to enable you to chill out, have fun, chat and make friends.
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This is a confidential, live online 1-1 chat service offering information and advice for young people in Suffolk, and is online every Monday – Wednesday, 5-7pm.
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The drop-in centre in Ipswich has a shower, laundry, kitchen, computers and a supply of clothes (kindly donated) including outfits suitable for job interviews.
Visit the 4YP website for more information.