Parental conflict: where to get urgent help for children

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Find out how you can get urgent help right now

If you feel you or your children are in immediate danger call the Police on 999.

If you feel you have urgent welfare concerns about children or young people that require an immediate response, phone the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) on 020 8359 4066.

The MASH team are available Monday to Thursday 9am to 5.15pm and Friday 9am to 5pm. Outside these hours you should report any concerns that need an immediate response to our emergency duty team by telephone: 020 8359 2000.

If you are worried that a child may be suffering, or may be at risk of harm, you should complete a MASH safeguarding referral which you can find on our worried about the safety of a child webpage.

Emergency services

  • Call 999 

If you are concerned that your life or the life of someone else is in danger, you can call 999 for an ambulance, police, fire brigade or any other emergency service any time of the day or night.

The 999 emergency number covers the whole of the UK and anyone can call 999 for free, but it should only be used in cases where there is a risk or threat to someone’s safety (this includes if someone is at risk of suicide).

The emergency services may be able to track the location of the phone used to make the call.

Childline

Childline is there to help anyone under 19 in the UK with any issue they’re going through.

Whether it’s something big or small, their trained counsellors are there to support you.

Childline is free, confidential and available any time, day or night.

Samaritans

Samaritans a safe place for you to talk any time you like, in your own way, about whatever’s getting to you.

They won’t tell you what to do. They listen and try to understand what you’re going through.

Samaritans is free, confidential and available any time, day or night, for people of any age across the UK and Republic of Ireland.

CAFCASS

The CAFCASS website has collected resources that we know separated parents find helpful.

There is information, activities to improve communication skills, and help with planning for you and your children.

No matter what stage you are in your divorce proceedings or separation this information is designed to help you understand the needs of your children during

separation and make the best arrangements for them.

Parenting together - Cafcass - Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service