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Tell us about someone being abused or neglected

If you have a concern, please contact us and one of our advisers will be happy to listen and advise.

Office hours:

Monday to Friday: 9.00am to 5.00pm
Telephone: 01744 676767
Email: contactcares@sthelens.gov.uk

If you have concerns that a child or adult is at immediate risk of harm outside of those hours, please contact the Emergency Duty Team (EDT).

Emergency Duty Team

The team will address issues such as:

  • Safeguarding concerns for children and adults.
  • Vulnerable people who are considered to be at risk of harm or require an immediate emergency response.
  • Appropriate advice and signposting for an immediate, emergency issue.
  • Mental Health Act assessments.
  • Act as an Appropriate Adult for juveniles and vulnerable adults.
  • Homelessness.

When to call EDT

The Emergency Duty Team will respond to safeguarding concerns, and risk of significant harm. Should a child or adult be in immediate danger, please call 999 and request the emergency services before contacting EDT.

When not to call EDT

Do not call EDT for any issues which can be addressed and resolved during daytime hours.

Who will answer the phone?

An EDT call handler will answer the phone and record your contact details, along with the details of the concern. This information will be passed to an experienced, and qualified emergency duty social worker.

What happens next?

At the earliest opportunity, the emergency duty social worker will contact you to respond to the emergency issue.

Alternatively, they may:

  • Signpost you to a more appropriate agency.
  • Ask that you complete the Children's Request Form below, and make contact social care during daytime hours as a more suitable means of requesting support.

The service operates outside normal working hours at the following times:

  • Monday to Thursday: 5:00pm to 9:00am
  • Friday: 4:30pm to 9:00am
  • Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holidays: 9:00am to 9:00am (24 hours

Emergency Duty Team contact details:

  • Via Contact Cares: 01744 676767 from 9am until 9pm (option 1 for Contact Cares, option 2 for EDT)
  • Direct line: 0345 0500 148