Staying Safe During Covid-19

With millions of people – including children – spending more time online during Lockdown because of coronavirus, new research from the NSPCC is saying that children who are lonely and rely on social media are more than twice as likely to be groomed online. Lockdown has also created the perfect storm for offenders to target lonely and isolated people.

The NSPCC have created some really good advice, not only about online safety for children but also about mental health and depression – how to talk to a child who is worried about Coronavirus.

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/childrens-mental-health/depression-anxiety-mental-health/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/online-safety/

https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-we-do/about-us/partners/nspcc-o2-online-safety-partnership/

However, at a time when people are lonely and frightened it’s not just children who are being targeted online. Many adults, including those who are vulnerable, are being targeted with online coronavirus scams – telephone, email and even in-person scams!

The Ann Craft Trust, a leading UK authority on safeguarding adults and young people at risk, are signposting people to the dangers, how to protect vulnerable people you know and tips to avoid Coronavirus scams.

https://www.anncrafttrust.org/resources/safeguarding-in-challenging-times-beware-of-coronavirus-scams/

For those adults who are worried, anxious or scared at this difficult time, the mental health foundation have created some tips for looking after your mental health whilst you stay at home.

https://www.mentalhealth.org.uk/publications/looking-after-your-mental-health-during-coronavirus-outbreak

We have also created a list of helpful contacts and websites over on our mental health support page.

https://britishweightlifting.org/about/mental-health-support

If you have any weightlifting related safeguarding concerns or would like further advice please contact our Child Protection Officer

Sue Ward:  sue.ward@britishweightlifting.org