Keeping Dundee kids safe at Christmas

Published

18th December 2020

As the festive season approaches, the Dundee Child Protection Committee is urging everyone to keep eyes and ears open for children who may be experiencing harm over the holidays.

Chair Elaine Torrance is supporting a national campaign which is sending out a clear message that we’ve all got a part to play to protect children and young people, even at Christmas.

The Child Protection Committees Scotland campaign acknowledges that coping with the pandemic has been challenging for everyone, but some families will have been under more strain than others.

Parents who were struggling to cope before Coronavirus may have been pushed to crisis point during this year, and the festive season can put some families under even more pressure. Sadly, some children and young people will experience neglect or abuse.

As restrictions ease temporarily over Christmas, everyone in Dundee should be alert to signs that all is not well for a child or young person. Local Committee chair Elaine is encouraging everyone to do their bit to help keep children and young people safe from harm.

“If you see or hear something that’s not right, or spot unusual behaviour from a child, talk to someone about your concerns,” said Elaine.

“Child protection services are always available, even at Christmas, so don’t wait if you are worried about a child. You can always get help from your local council or the police. It’s always better to say something than do nothing.”

Whether you’re a child who needs help, a parent who is looking for support, or an adult who is concerned about a child’s wellbeing, there is always someone you can talk to, even at Christmas and New Year.

You can find more information about where to get help on Dundee Child Protection website. If you are very worried about a child you should the Dundee Child Protection Line on 307999 or if a child is in immediate danger please call 999.

Dundee City Council

Dundee draws skilled workers from a 60-minute catchment population of 640,000 and has a local population of over 140,000. The availability of a large pool of highly skilled labour is a key feature in the Dundee economy. Flexibility in the labour force is currently more prevalent in Dundee than in Scotland as a whole. All forms of labour market flexibility - part-time, temporary employment, self-employment and shift work - are widely operational within the city. Labour force stability in the city is excellent, enabling companies to plan with confidence. Labour turnover levels are less than 5% and absenteeism averages 2%.

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