If you have been affected by domestic abuse or child sexual exploitation and abuse (CSEA), support is available. This page brings together information on local and national support services, as well as options for reporting concerns.
Help is available whether your experience is recent or historic, whether it has been reported to the police or not, and whether you are seeking support for yourself or someone else.
Immediate help
If you are in immediate danger, call 999.
If you are in the UK and need emergency help but cannot speak, you should still call 999. You may be transferred to the Silent Solution system.
If you are calling from a mobile phone
- Listen to the operator.
- If you cannot talk, you may be transferred to the Silent Solution system.
- When prompted, press 55 to show that your call is a genuine emergency and that you need police assistance.
If possible, you can also cough, tap the handset or press keys in response to questions.
If you are calling from a landline
- Stay on the line, even if you cannot speak.
- If the operator hears background noise or has concerns, they can transfer the call to the police.
- Location information from landlines is generally available to the emergency services automatically.
Important
- A silent 999 call on its own does not automatically bring help.
- On a mobile, you must press 55 when prompted if you cannot speak. Otherwise, the call may be ended.
If you have a hearing or speech impairment
- If you have registered with the emergencySMS service, you can text 999.
- You can use the textphone service on 18000.
- You can use the 999 BSL service to speak to the emergency services using British Sign Language.
If it is not an emergency
If you have witnessed or been the victim of a crime that is not an emergency, you can report it to Greater Manchester Police. Your report will be sent directly to their control room.
Report abuse or a safeguarding concern
Support related to the National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs and CSEA reviews in Oldham
Reading or hearing about inquiries, reviews and media coverage relating to CSEA in Oldham may be distressing for some people. It may bring back difficult memories or experiences, or prompt people to seek support, report concerns or share their own experiences.
Support for victims and survivors
If you have been affected by these issues, support is available. The services on this page can be accessed whether your experiences are recent or historic, and whether or not they have been reported to the police.
The National Inquiry Survivor Support Hub provides a dedicated space for victims, survivors, families and support groups to engage with the UK’s statutory inquiry into group-based child sexual exploitation and abuse.
The services on this page may also provide additional local, regional and national support, depending on your needs.
For more information and updates, see our page on the National Inquiry into Grooming Gangs:
Operation Beaconport
Operation Beaconport is a national policing operation established following recommendations from Baroness Casey’s National Audit into Group-Based Child Sexual Abuse and Exploitation (GBCSAE).
Delivered in partnership with the National Crime Agency (NCA), the operation is reviewing previously closed investigations into GBCSAE reported across England and Wales between 1 January 2010 and 31 March 2025.
It seeks to identify opportunities for justice, support victims and survivors, strengthen safeguarding, and improve future responses to GBCSAE.
IAmReady is a website providing victims and survivors of child sexual abuse and exploitation with information about support, reporting and review processes.
Support services
The organisations below provide a range of local, regional and national support services.
Abuse, exploitation and trauma support
- Keeping Our Girls Safe (KOGS) - independent charity supporting women and girls affected by child sexual exploitation. Telephone: 0161 770 7777
- The Children’s Society - national charity supporting young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect
- Rape Crisis England & Wales - specialist support for women and girls affected by rape, sexual abuse and sexual violence, including a free 24/7 online chat and support line
- Oldham St Mary’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) - forensic, counselling and aftercare services for anyone in Greater Manchester affected by rape or sexual assault, whether recent or in the past
- We Are Survivors - specialist support for men and boys affected by sexual abuse, rape and sexual exploitation
- National Association for People Abused in Childhood (NAPAC) - support for adults affected by childhood abuse
- Victim Support - practical and emotional support for victims of crime and traumatic experiences
- NSPCC Helpline - advice and support if you are concerned about a child
- Galop - support for LGBT+ people affected by abuse, violence or exploitation
Mental health and emotional wellbeing support
- Pennine Care NHS Foundation Trust - mental health services across Oldham, including support for trauma, anxiety and depression
- Oldham Talking Therapies (formerly Healthy Minds) - free NHS talking therapies for adults experiencing anxiety, depression or trauma-related difficulties
- Greater Manchester NHS mental health crisis services - urgent mental health support for people in crisis
- Samaritans - free, confidential emotional support, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year
Housing advice and support
Our Housing Options Service delivers a comprehensive range of services from under one roof, including help with applying for social housing, housing advice, homelessness, tenancy relations and supported housing.
Drug and alcohol support
If you are struggling with drug or alcohol use, specialist support services are available, including Early Breaks and Turning Point.
Family and children’s support
Oldham Family Hubs are a universal one-stop shop providing support with children’s health and wellbeing.