You are not expected to take on a safeguarding investigation or resolve complex situations. Your role is to provide calm, appropriate support and help a child or young person feel safer in the moment.
Young people may seek help because they feel frightened, overwhelmed, lost, unwell, pressured, or unsafe. A calm and steady adult response can make a significant difference.
Young people in Bedford Borough are often scared by local politics, knife crime, community safety and more. Bedford Giving has been doing lots of work with young people over the past few years to understand what issues young people are most affected by, and what we can do to support them.
Go to Bedford Giving to find out more about what it has learnt through its reports.
Recognise
Children and young people do not always ask directly for help. They may show it in their behaviour.
You might notice:
- Appearing visibly upset, tearful, withdrawn or unusually quiet.
- Looking anxious, frightened or hyper-alert.
- Anger, frustration or sudden emotional outbursts.
- Saying they feel unsafe, lost or don’t want to go somewhere.
- Avoiding eye contact or struggling to explain what’s wrong.
- Loitering without clear purpose, especially if appearing distressed.
- Being with older individuals who seem to be controlling or speaking for them.
Some young people may mask distress with humour, silence, defiance or bravado. Trust your instincts - if something feels concerning, it is appropriate to gently check in.
Respond
Remember, you do not need to fix everything. Your role is to provide reassurance, clarity and a sense of safety.
Remaining calm and approachable
Introduce yourself and speak in a warm, steady tone. Avoid being overly authoritative or dismissive. Young people respond best to adults who are respectful and clear.
Use simple, open questions
Ask questions such as, “Are you okay?” or “What would help right now?” Give them time to answer. Avoid overwhelming them with too many questions at once.
Listen without judgement
Acknowledge how they feel. Saying, “That sounds difficult,” or “I’m glad you came in,” helps reduce shame or fear.
Avoid
- Do not threaten consequences unless there is immediate risk.
- Do not dismiss their concerns with phrases like “You’ll be fine” or “It’s not a big deal.”
- Do not promise confidentiality if there are safeguarding concerns.
- Avoid challenging or interrogating them.
If a young person discloses that they are at risk of harm, this must be taken seriously and escalated appropriately. You can find out more through our safeguarding training page here.
Support
Small, practical actions can have a powerful impact.
- Offer a safe place to sit away from crowds.
- Provide water or a warm drink if appropriate.
- Help them contact a parent, carer or trusted adult.
- Assist with calling a taxi if they need to get home safely.
- Provide clear and simple information about what will happen next if further help is needed.
- Reassure them that they have done the right thing by asking for help.
Safe Spaces are about creating brief moments of safety and stability. For a young person, knowing that an adult is calm and on their side can reduce panic and prevent escalation.
Signpost
If there is immediate danger or risk of harm, call 999.
If you believe a child or young person may be at risk of abuse, exploitation or neglect, follow safeguarding procedures and contact the appropriate safeguarding service.
For non-emergency police concerns, contact 101.
If there is a mental health concern, or you feel the young person may be in crisis, please contact the CAHMS Crisis team
Encourage contact with a parent, carer or trusted adult where appropriate.
Local support - somewhere to go
If a young person is loitering, and just would like somewhere to go that is not home - you may wish to signpost to:
Central Family Hub
Central Family Hub acts as a youth hub most evenings and weekends, with Youth Workers from One YMCA offering a range of activities and support for young people.
Address: 30 Allhallows, Bedford MK40 1LN.
Tel: 0300 323 0245
Email: familyhubs@bedford.gov.uk
Everyone's Gang
Everyone’s Gang is a community-led organisation committed to tackling the causes and impact of youth crime and exploitation. They create safe, inclusive spaces where young people can be heard, supported and empowered to make positive choices.
Address: 12A Stuart Road, Kempston, Bedford, MK42 8HS.
Email: outreach@everyonesgang.co.uk
Local support - someone to talk to
4YP (For Young People)
4YP provides emotional wellbeing and mental health support for children and young people across Bedfordshire. Their services include counselling, wellbeing programmes, peer support and crisis alternatives, helping young people access support before difficulties reach crisis point.
Address: 21 The Crescent, Bedford, MK40 2RT
Tel: 01234 358203
Email: enquiries@4yp.org.uk
Bedfordshire Open Door
Bedfordshire Open Door provides free and confidential counselling and wellbeing support for young people aged 13-25. They offer a safe space for young people experiencing challenges with their mental health, relationships, identity, grief, anxiety, stress or other life difficulties.
Address: 49 Midland Road, Bedford, MK40 1PW
Tel: 01234 213123
Email: hello@opendoorbedford.org.uk
Link to Change
Link to Change Link to Change supports young people who may have experienced exploitation, abuse or other forms of trauma. They provide specialist support and a safe environment where young people can rebuild confidence, develop resilience and begin their journey of healing and recovery.
Tel: 01480 474974
Email: info@linktochange.org.uk
Supporting young people
Staff who would like to build further confidence in supporting young people may wish to complete safeguarding awareness training or explore guidance available through local Family Hubs and national NSPCC resources.
Safe Spaces are not about replacing professional services. They are about being a steady, safe presence when a young person needs it most.
Staff who would like to build further confidence in supporting young people may wish to complete safeguarding awareness training or explore guidance available through local Family Hubs and national NSPCC resources.
Safe Spaces are not about replacing professional services. They are about being a steady, safe presence when a young person needs it most