A CHILDREN’S charity wants workers with access to peoples’ homes to look out for the signs of abuse.

The NSPCC says police and local authorities have teamed up to provide free training in Sussex to help protect children from abuse.

It comes as children have spent more time at home, and concerns about abuse have soared, with an 81 per cent rise in referrals to the charity.

So the NSPCC, Sussex Safeguarding Children Partnerships in West Sussex, East Sussex Brighton & Hove and Sussex Police have united to promote safeguarding children awareness training for workers who regularly go into people’s homes.

It includes gas engineers, postal workers, taxi drivers and local authority workers. They are telling people in Sussex, if they see something, say something.

One girl from Brighton, named as Ciara, said she endured a turbulent upbringing where she was left to fend for herself and her siblings.

She said: “There was so much shame attached to it all, I was always scared of being ‘found out’. She’d frequently leave us in harm’s way, or abandon us when she was prioritising the men, drink or drugs.

“I would compare our home life to my friends and I knew it wasn’t right. I felt responsible for my sister, I felt responsible for my mum and responsible for the way she was perceived by others. That’s a lot for a child to cope with. It affected my confidence – I was trying to survive but worrying about everyone else around me.

“I don’t think it’s that unusual for children to go through this kind of thing, but it’s rarely spoken about.”

Detective Superintendent Jon Hull said: “Right now we know that some children in Sussex and nationally are at an increased risk of abuse including sexual abuse, neglect and domestic violence.

“People who work within their community can play an important role in helping keep children safe and spotting possible signs of child abuse, neglect and domestic violence.

“If you are still working with members of the public, taking the NSPCC’s free, quick training course could mean a child does not have to suffer needlessly during this lockdown. If you see something, say something.”

The 15-minute training and guide is available online until March 31. Visit: http://bit.ly/3ilGDiR

Alternatively contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children can speak to a counsellor on 0800 1111 or chat online at www.childline.org.uk.