A series of sessions covering the impact of neglect on children is set to be launched across Herts, as part of a campaign to help local communities.

The six free 45-minute sessions, which are aimed at professionals and volunteers who work with children and their families, will be hosted by a range of speakers between Monday, December 5 and January 24, 2023. 

The virtual drop-in sessions form part of the Hertfordshire Neglect Matters campaign, which has been run since the end of 2020 by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) and Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership. 

Jo Fisher, Hertfordshire County Council's executive director of children’s services, and chair of Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership, said: “We want every child in Hertfordshire to be able to achieve their full potential and be kept safe from harm.  

“Working with experienced partners, such as the NSPCC, is helping us to raise awareness around the issue of neglect in Hertfordshire. These sessions will empower local people to spot the signs, report neglect and ensure that Hertfordshire’s children are protected. 

“We know that neglect isn’t always a form of deliberate abuse and that’s why it’s really important that everyone in Hertfordshire understands the signs and symptoms of neglect and issues professionals face when dealing with this this complex subject.” 

A few of the sessions will investigate the complexities of identifying neglect and how it can be prevented, and will look at the different challenges presented to professionals when working with young people and their families.  

It will also discuss the impact neglect can have on childhood development, how this can impact a person later in life and how it can put individuals at greater risk of exploitation. 

The campaign will also hold sessions on the significance of working with fathers in child protection; working with Black, Asian and minority ethnic communities to keep children safe from abuse and neglect; and mindfulness for professionals and volunteers working with children and families in need. 

Gail Sayles, NSPCC Local campaigns manager for the East of England, said: “Neglect can change childhoods and impact young people long into their adult lives.

"It can result in problems with brain development, getting into dangerous relationships and situations and puts people at higher risk of developing mental health problems. 

“Our aim is to prevent child neglect locally, and we know that this form of maltreatment is a significant problem for those who work within child protection.

"Working alongside our campaign partners the Neglect Matters campaign aims to empower local people with knowledge on spotting the signs and how to respond to concerns, and by working together we make a positive impact across Hertfordshire. 

“The NSPCC Helpline is also always there for anyone who wants advice or knows a family that needs support.” 

To sign up to any of the sessions or to find out more please visit Hertfordshire Safeguarding Children Partnership - Learning Management System (event-booking.org.uk) or contact hscpcourses@hertfordshire.gov.uk 

If you’re concerned about the welfare of a child or young person that may be experiencing neglect visit NSPCC helpline or call 0808 800 5000 for advice and help.