We’ve updated our SSCP Training Programme and External Training page, which brings together a range of local regional and national safeguarding learning opportunities for professionals working with children, adults and families in Salford. This pages are designed to help practitioners broaden their knowledge, access specialist learning, and stay informed about current best practice.

Key recommendations include:

• Earlier and stronger pre‑birth safeguarding, including national guidance that explicitly includes vulnerable unborn babies and infants, and clearer protocols for responding to concealed or late‑disclosed pregnancies
• Trauma‑informed practice, to help reach families who do not engage with services
• Better engagement with and support for parents before and after child removal, to help break cycles of harm and reduce repeat risk
• A preventative ‘Think Family’ approach, bringing together adult and children’s services to provide a holistic view and identify issues that affect the whole family unit
• Stronger links between children’s social care and offender management services, especially when serious sex offenders are parents or carers
• Clearer arrangements when families move, including formal information transfer, shared chronologies and defined safeguarding responsibility

Read the press release and review on Protecting all vulnerable babies better

Visit: Safeguarding Babies | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership and the guidance Creating Strength-based partnerships with families in Salford

Watch the Webinar: Protecting all vulnerable babies better: https://youtu.be/lS7rRG4U7yI 

Social Media, Online Safety and Mental Health

Also read the guidance for under‑fives including advice for parents and tools to support conversations with families about digital wellbeing: Screen time and online harms: resources| RCPCH

The Government has launched the “You Won’t Know Until You Ask” campaign, giving parents practical tips to talk with their children about toxic or harmful online content such as body‑shaming, rage‑bait, misogynistic posts and misinformation. Research shows half of parents have never discussed harmful content with their children, despite most 11‑year‑olds owning a smartphone. 

The campaign includes simple guidance on safety settings and conversation prompts, and forms part of wider national work on children’s digital wellbeing. Read the press release

Childline launches new campaign supporting young people’s online wellbeing

Childline has launched Race to a Milli, a social‑media‑focused campaign designed to help young people manage pressures related to likes, online comments and peer influence. The campaign includes practical discussion prompts for professionals working with children in schools, clubs and youth settings. Between April 2024 and March 2025, Childline delivered 82,882 counselling sessions on mental wellbeing.

Read about the campaign: Help young people navigate the mental health challenges of being online
Read the news story: More than half of all Childline counselling sessions support children with mental health struggles

Government consultation launched on children’s social media access

The UK government has opened a national consultation to improve the safety and wellbeing of children using social media. Proposals include:

• minimum age requirements or potential bans
• improved age‑assurance technology
• restrictions on addictive platform features
• stronger support for parents

Ofsted will also check mobile‑phone policies during every school inspection, with schools expected to move toward phone‑free environments. Organisation like the NSPCC emphasise the need for greater accountability from technology companies.

Read the news story: Government to drive action to improve children’s relationship with mobile phones and social media
Read the NSPCC’s response: A social media ban would punish teenagers for tech platform’s failures

Further information and training: E-safety | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership

Child Sexual Abuse and Adult Survivors

The National Crime Agency (NCA) has highlighted the growing scale and complexity of the child sexual abuse threat across the UK. New concerns include the misuse of generative AI tools, financially‑motivated sexual extortion, and harmful online communities known as Com networks.

Recent data shows that the NCA and policing partners are arresting around 1,000 suspected offenders each month and safeguarding approximately 1,200 children.

Visit: Child Sexual Abuse | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership for further information, training and resources

Book on to a range of CSA related available on External Training | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership

The CSA Centre has developed a new hub of resources for adult survivors of child sexual abuse, which brings together vetted and reliable resources in one freely accessible place Self Help

Duty to Safeguard Adults

new hub of helpful resources for adult survivors of child sexual abuse, which brings together vetted and reliable resources in one freely accessible place

Under Section 42 of the Care Act 2014, local authorities have a legal duty to carry out enquiries when they believe an adult may be at risk. The new 7 Minute Briefing on the duty to safeguard adults provides information for those working with both adults and children as everyone should maintain a ‘Think Family’ approach.

• 7 Minute Briefing on The Duty to Safeguard Adults (PDF) (January 2026)

• 7 Minute Briefing on The Duty to Safeguard Adults (Plain text) (PDF) (January 2026)

Learning from the Sara Sharif Review - Key Messages for Practice

The national Child Safeguarding Practice Review into the tragic death of 10‑year‑old Sara Sharif identified multiple missed opportunities across agencies, including weaknesses in information sharing, limited professional curiosity, and failures in recognising and responding to escalating patterns of harm. The review concluded that Sara had “effectively disappeared from view” in the months leading up to her death, with critical safeguarding actions not taken at several points where intervention could have protected her.

This learning reinforces the importance of robust multi‑agency coordination, challenge, clear decision‑making, and consistently hearing the child’s voice - key elements of effective safeguarding practice highlighted throughout the review.

In response to this national learning, Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership (SSCP) has agreed to complete a True To Us exercise to help the partnership reflect on how Salford’s structures, processes, and decision‑making align with the expectations of effective safeguarding practice highlighted by the Sara Sharif review.

This reflective activity will support SSCP in strengthening assurance, identifying areas for development, and ensuring our local system remains vigilant, child‑centred, and proactive in preventing harm.

Further info on Salford Practice reviews : Practice reviews | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership including the Sara-7-minute-briefing-FINAL.pdf and local 7mb

Exploitation Uncovered and GM Week of Action

Wednesday 18 March 2026 

Join us for an opportunity to hear from specialist guest speakers with national and local expertise in exploitation of children, young people and adults. This session brings together the types of harm involved, and the tactics used to target victims across the UK and Salford’s partnership response. Exploitation Uncovered: Protecting Children, Young People & Adults in Salford - Now Closed

A GM programme of free, open‑access sessions is also available throughout March covering:

• Child Exploitation Training for Hotels 
• Trauma‑informed practice
• LGBTQ+ safeguarding in sport
• Autism‑informed puberty and relationships
• County Lines awareness
• Responding to adult exploitation
• Romani Gypsy & Irish Traveller safeguarding
• Hydrant Programme insights on CSAE practice

For full details or queries, please contact: sscp@salford.gov.uk or savannah.buckle@greater-manchester.gov.uk 

New Neglect Information Page for Young People

After receiving an education session on the topic of neglect, young people shared thoughtful insights on how information should be presented on the SSCP website. Their feedback directly shaped the content of the new Neglect page, including adding new elements to the Hands of Need such as safe space/shelter, healthcare, agreed boundaries, and mental health. They also highlighted the importance of young people knowing their rights and provided helpful comments on layout, clarity, and accessibility. In response, the Hands of Need graphic has now been modernised by young people and updated on the page. Thank you to all the young people involved—your voices have made the webpage clearer, more relevant, and more supportive for those who may need it. A Listening Loop has been completed to illustrate the project.

Salford Trauma Informed/Responsive Practice Training

Various Dates | ⏰ Mix of AM, PM and All Day | ⚲ Online and Face to Face
Salford City Council and partners have commissioned Dignifi to deliver a trauma awareness training programme over the next year. This programme has been developed using your feedback, supporting our journey towards becoming a trauma informed and trauma responsive city.

For more information and to book your space please visit Salford Trauma Informed Practice Training | Partners in Salford

Mental Health and Counselling Service Update

Check out latest updates from Kooth.com and Qwell.io, online mental health and counselling services.

Emotional Health Service Directory Update

The Salford Thrive Directory has been updated. The Directory has been developed to support anyone working or volunteering with children and young people. The directory will help you access useful information about different types of resources and services that are available to support children and young people's social, emotional health and well-being and to provide guidance when making a referral into services. For any queries about the directory please email EHWB@salford.gov.uk

Shining a Light on Suicide

We’re bringing suicide out of the dark in Greater Manchester because it affects us all. Whether you’re feeling suicidal, worried someone else is, or have lost someone to suicide, you’re not alone. Whatever you’re going through, get the advice and support you need - Shining a Light on Suicide

Youth Violence 

The Youth Endowment Fund has released a systematic review analysing 25 years of UK research into serious youth violence. It highlights five key pathways into and out of violence, including difficult life experiences, hypermasculinity, financial pressures and desistance journeys.

The review identifies significant gaps in evidence, particularly around girls, minority ethnic groups and migrant young people.

Read the news story: Insights from YEF’s first systematic review of UK qualitative research
Read the report: Children and young people’s accounts of their involvement in serious youth violence in the UK

Further information and training: Child Exploitation | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership

Learning from Child Yvonne

To strengthen our Salford whole family approach - Think Child Think Adult Think Family the learning from Child Yvonne is aimed at staff from all agencies who work with adults, children, young people, families, and the wider community.

You can find links to the learning resources on Learning from reviews | Salford Safeguarding Children Partnership

Child Friendly Salford - One Year On

December marked a major milestone in our Child Friendly Salford work - it is one year since the project launched.

Child Friendly Salford is about bringing everyone together to make Salford a great place for children and young people to grow up, feel safe, cared for, heard and have quality opportunities to learn, work and play.

The celebration event hosted at Salford Youth Zone saw over 200 children aged 8 to 12 take part in activities such as building Salford in Minecraft and writing a rap song about Salford, while telling us what they would like to see to make the city a better place to grow up in.

The thoughts, wishes, and insights shared by children during the event - along with feedback gathered throughout the year - will directly shape our priorities and actions for Child Friendly Salford in 2026.

🎥 Watch the short video to see highlights from the celebration event. You can find out more on our Child Friendly City webpage, and we’ll continue to share updates as the programme develops.

7 minute Briefings and Case Review updates

Reflect: on the learning also spotlighted in the CSPR Panel annual report and the NSPCC Recently published case reviews including the national case review collection- Updated case reviews added this month featuring issues including sibling sexual abuse, suicide, neglect identification & intersectionality. emotional abuse, child neglect, cultural competency, and children who have disabilities.

The SSCP produces 7 minute briefings to offer insights from case reviews and themed learning, along with challenge questions for agencies, teams, and individuals to reflect on and consider in their practice. The briefings can be used in a variety of ways:

 

• Individuals can use the briefing independently for their own learning and development and share with others.
• Teams/Managers encourage circulation and use for information and development and share learning amongst their team i.e. team meetings, supervision, peer support to reflect and improve practice and systems.
• Use at a structured event during training and/or briefing sessions to complement overall learning and development

New and updated 7 Minute Briefings include;

• Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - New
• FGM (updated January 2026)- New
• Child Yvonne
• Operation Encompass
• Building Relationships
• Corporate Parenting Principles
• Escalation and Professional Challenge
• Equality Act
• Making a good referral
• Managing allegations against adults who work with children (LADO) - Updated guidance
• Parental Mental Health includes Think CHILD tool
• Positive Fatherhood
• Unknown Males

You will also find these new briefings and tools from the SSAB useful.

• Duty to Safeguard Adults
• Newly-published Briefing Document for SAR Harry (2025)
• Managing Allegations Against People in Position of Trust (PiPoT) in Salford 7-minute briefing and Short video (6 mins 10 secs) explaining the PiPoT process in Salford
• New Self-Neglect Guidance and toolkit

Think Family, Professional Curiosity and Cultural Consciousness

In partnership between the SSCP nd the Salford Safeguarding Adults Board (SSAB) we have produced a joint webpage with information on Think Family Professional Curiosity and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion 

Action: Take a look at these resources and share them with your teams / colleagues. These pages are under development, so if you have any comments or suggestions, please let us know by emailing shahanara.begum@salford.gov.uk

Calls to Action: National/Local Updates and Learning

Salford Turns 100 in 2026

Exciting plans are underway as Salford prepares to celebrate a century since becoming a city. A full year of cultural, civic and community events. Salford 100 will honour our past, celebrate our present, and imagine our future. Residents, schools, businesses and community groups are all invited to get involved and help shape this once‑in‑a‑lifetime celebration! ✨

Find out more and join the journey toward Salford’s next 100 years Salford 100

Right Care Right Person

Whether it’s help with housing, money worries, food, mental health, domestic abuse, or getting the right care fast - find the support and help you need help from the right place Quick help – get the right care from the right person•Salford City Council

Keep Warm and Well

Don't suffer in the cold - to keep warm, follow the tips on Keep warm and well and make sure you're claiming all the help that you're entitled to.

Health and Wellbeing - Practical Information for Independent Living’. The guide is for you if everyday tasks are becoming more difficult. It is about support and services that are in your community. As well as family and neighbours, many groups and organisations in Salford can help you stay independent and well. Our guide has details of these organisations and how to contact them.

Hate Crime Awareness - Ending Hatred, Amplifying Hope

Hate crimes can affect anyone. Whether you’ve experienced one or know someone who has, we’re here to help you understand what they are, how to report them, and how to support others.

Hate crime is a criminal act that is motivated by hostility or prejudice.

Find out more information on ways to report a hate crime including how to become an ambassador Hate crime•Salford City Council,

The British Muslim Trust (BMT) has launched a new helpline service in the wake of increased anti-Muslim hate in the UK. The helpline will be used to support victims to help them report their experiences in a safe environment.

👉 SSCP Cultural Consciousness Guidance

Self Care: Trauma Responsive Workforce

Whatever you have planned during and following the festive period, try and make time to pause, reflect and take care of yourself

Alongside support, supervision and services available to us in our organisations to support you and your colleagues, you should also prioritise taking better care of yourself and pay attention to what you need.

The following information and resources have been identified to support the wellbeing of our people and teams in the workplace including how we look after ourselves.

• Self care resources | Partners in Salford
• Stress - Every Mind Matters - NHS (www.nhs.uk)
• Managing stress and building resilience - tips - Mind
• Greater Manchester Resilience Hub - health and care staff wellbeing service
• Greater Manchester Wellbeing Toolkit | Greater Manchester Integrated Care Partnership
• Togetherall
• Six Degrees Social Enterprise – Supporting Your Mental Health (six-degrees.org.uk)
• Meditation and Sleep Made Simple - Headspace
• Trauma Responsive Greater Manchester (trgm.co.uk)

WorkWell in Salford

WorkWell is a free offer designed to support people with health conditions or disabilities whether a mental health or physical health concern such as a musculoskeletal (MSK) condition. The experienced WorkWell team will help you stay in work or return to work if you are employed, self-employed or recently unemployed and facing health related challenges to either remain in work or return to work. This includes:

• a personal assessment to understand the best support for your needs
• tailored plans to address your physical and mental wellbeing
• access to local health services, wellbeing activities, and community support
• careers advice and guidance to help you progress in your current job or explore new opportunities
• tailored support from a dedicated Work and Health Coach

For more information visit WorkWell (Health and Work Support)

Information and learning on a variety of subject matters related to safeguarding children and adults, can also be accessed through the SSCP Training Programme, 7 minute briefings, learning from Practice Reviews and the SSCP YouTube Channel.