Stay safe

To help you stay safe:

• be aware of what’s going on around you - especially in an unfamiliar area
• stick together – you are less vulnerable with others
• keep your valuables hidden away somewhere safe that can’t easily be reached - showing off your phone, money or expensive accessories could make you a target
• notice what is going on around you
• cover your hand when entering your pin code if you are withdrawing money from a cash machine
• keep your phone charged - if your phone battery dies unexpectedly, text or call your trusted adult from a friend’s phone so they know what has happened and how they can contact you in an emergency
• not fight back if someone tries to steal something from you or pick a fight - most possessions can be replaced but you can’t! 
• in an emergency situation run and seek help from an adult or trusted place such as a shop or library - hide if you need to
• be confident – even if you don’t feel it!
• consider purchasing a personal alarm that can help you to feel safe

When when walking or travelling:

• where possible, travel with others
• plan your journey and where possible stay in bright well-lit areas, avoiding alleyways or cut-throughs
• never accept a lift from someone you don’t know
• when booking taxi's always use one that is licensed
• let someone know where you are and what time you plan to be home
• on public transport, you are safest where there are other people around you

Remember:

• that alcohol and drugs make you more vulnerable to being a victim of crime
• if you drink alcohol or take drugs your behaviour will change and it will make you more likely to take risks and do things that you wouldn’t normally do
• not to leave your drink unattended or accept drinks from people you don’t know - even soft drinks can be spiked
• only buy vapes and cartridges from shops that you know and trust - vapes bought from people and places other than shops can be spiked with other substances that could make you seriously ill

To help you stay safe online:

• check your privacy and location settings - make sure only people you know in person and trust can see your profile and the information you share
• think before accepting new friend requests, especially from people you don’t know in real life - it is hard to know if someone really is who they say they are online
• be careful with what you share on online profiles or chats:
  • do not share personal information like your address, email, or school
  • photos that can identify your school or home location through your uniform or photos of you outside your address or school
• manage your digital footprint - content posted online can last forever and future employers may search your online presence including posts and comments - ask yourself whether the information is suitable for anyone in the public to see and if not, don’t post or share it
• only use reliable apps or web services and know how to legally access the music, film and TV you want
• think before you accept anyone else’s account and log-in details – what might they want or need you to do in return?

Child Exploitation and Online Protection (CEOP) - part of the National Crime Agency that helps keep children and young people safe from sexual abuse and grooming online. They can give you advice, or you can make a report directly to them. Contact them if you are worried about online sexual abuse or something has happened online which has made you feel unsafe, scared or worried. This can include someone you know in real life, or someone you have only ever met online. 

Childnet - a UK-based charity which provides young people, families and schools the knowledge and skills needed to make the most out of their time online. They offer support, guidance and advice on a wide range of online safety issues and topics.

Community Safety Partnerships bring together police, fire and rescue, local authorities, health, and probation services. They implement strategies to tackle crime, disorder and antisocial behaviour in their communities. They work together to make our communities safer and they want you to feel safe as you go about your daily life.

You may also see Community Wardens and Rangers patrolling areas such as parks, town centres or the seafront in coastal areas. Their role is to talk with members of the community and provide a visible and reassuring presence in public spaces to help deter and reduce disorder. Wardens are a community resource and can help you with a range of issues if you need assistance or support.

Safe:Space Sussex shows locations across the county offering a safe space for you to go if you feel threatened or at risk of harm. View the Safe:Space Sussex website.

Sussex police have a service called Street Safe that allows you to report safety concerns in public places without giving us your name. This includes issues like poorly lit streets, abandoned buildings or vandalism. It's also for instances where you feel unsafe due to someone following or verbally abusing you. For more information visit the Sussex police street safe page.

In an emergency, always call 999

Childline - a free, private and confidential service for young people where you can talk about anything that is worrying you. They can also help you find answers for questions you may have. Call for free on 0800 1111 to talk to them.

The Mix - a national support service for young people. They offer help and advice on a range of issues. For example:

• mental health
• money
• homelessness
• finding a job
• break-ups
• drugs

They have lots of expert advice you can read on their website or you can talk to them on the online community, social or via their counselling service.

Fearless - a national website with non-judgemental information and advice about crime and criminality. A safe place to give information to us about crime 100% anonymously. Call 0800 555 111 for more information.

SafeCall - a free, confidential and anonymous helpline. It's a support service for young people and family members that are affected by missing, county lines and criminal exploitation. The service is open 9am to 11pm; 7 days a week. Call 116 000 to speak with them.

West Sussex Your Mind Matters - the councils campaign for youth mental health. If has lists of helpful resources.

West Sussex Mind - supports children and young people through workers based in doctor surgeries in some areas within Worthing, Adur, Chanctonbury, Arun and rural north Chichester. Free support is available for children and young people from age 8 to 17.  

Young Minds - a national charity that can provide information and advice about a mental health condition, and support including understanding more about how you're feeling. 

Anna Freud - a national mental health charity for children and families that provides information and advice on a range of issues including self-care, dealing with trauma, loss or bereavement.