Neglect campaign shortlisted for innovation award

Cheshire East Council’s neglect campaign is one of eight finalists for the ‘Innovations in Communications’ category at the Municipal Journal Awards 2018.

The campaign aims to support Cheshire East Council staff, the police, health professionals, schools, community and voluntary practitioners, parents, carers and residents to improve awareness, understanding and recognition of neglect.

All instances of cruelty and neglect must have a robust approach, however the impact of the neglect of children is often gradual and therefore needs to be identified as early as possible.

One of the priorities of the campaign is to enable earlier identification and to encourage agencies to intervene quickly to prevent harm.

Councillor Jos Saunders

Councillor Jos Saunders, Cheshire East Council cabinet member for children and families, said: “We are delighted to be shortlisted for this award in the category of innovation in communications.

“We know that neglect is the most common form of abuse and affects one in 10 young people. This campaign was co-produced with the help of young people and directly quotes the thoughts and feelings of young people who have experienced neglect.

“We could not have achieved this recognition without the support of our partners in schools and we are all committed to ensuring that the children of Cheshire East are safe from harm.”

Gill Frame, chair of the Cheshire East Local Safeguarding Children Board said:  “The campaign aimed to support all our partner agencies to raise awareness, educate and encourage people to report neglect when they have a concern.

“The campaign, co-produced with children and young people, speaks in the voice of a young person being neglected and uses quotes to describe what neglect is, how to spot it and how it feels to be neglected. Most importantly, it showcases the commitment and ambition of all partners in Cheshire East to better identify children experiencing neglect.”