If you're worried that a child or young person is being abused, please tell us. We will listen to you and take your concerns seriously.
You can report your concerns by contacting the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and asking to speak to the Duty Officer:
- Phone: 0161 770 7777
- Email: child.mash@oldham.gov.uk
If you have an urgent concern outside office hours, you can contact:
- Emergency Duty Team: 0161 770 6936
- Police: 101 or 999 in an emergency
You do not need to be certain that a child is being abused. If you're worried, it's still important to report your concerns.
Information for professionals
If you're a professional and suspect that a child or young person is being abused, please complete our referral form:
MASH professional referral form
Information you will be asked to provide
The more factual information that you can give about the child and its situation, the more speedily and efficiently Children's Social Care or the police will be able to deal with your referral.
The types of information you will be asked for include:
- Names and date of birth of the child, carers or any other family members
- Address and phone number of the child
- Day time address and phone number for parents/carers
- Ethnic origin, religion and cultural background of the child, its family or carers.
- Details of immediate or impending danger to the child
- Details of any previous concerns or any relevant background information
- The reason for your referral (including a description of any injuries observed, allegations made, discussions with the child or other person, details of any witnesses and dates/times/places of alleged incidents).
You might also be asked for your opinion about how the child and family will react to the referral, and any factors which may place the child or others at further risk (for example where there is domestic abuse).
If you do not have all this information, contact us anyway. If you have concerns for a child, it is always safest to let us know.
How to report historic child abuse
If you need to report incidents that occurred in the past you can speak to trained professionals by contacting the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and speaking to the Duty Officer:
- 0161 770 7777
We take every referral very seriously. You will be listened to and believed. It does not matter how long ago the abuse took place, we and here to help and support you and with our partners, bring perpetrators to justice.
After making a report
A social worker will visit the child and its family and undertake an assessment of risk which may include working with (and sharing information with) other agencies. This might include Greater Manchester Police who could then investigate the situation to take action against any perpetrators.
Oldham Safeguarding Children Partnership (formerly Oldham Safeguarding Children Board)
OSCP brings people and professionals together to promote the welfare of children in Oldham:
Support
There is help and support available for anyone affected by issues related to child abuse or child sexual exploitation (CSE):