Reporting Concerns

Bracknell Forest MASH is the single point of contact for all safeguarding concerns about children and young people living in Bracknell. The MASH brings together a team of professionals from a number of partner agencies to deal with all safeguarding concerns for a child or young person.

Firstly, consider if the child or young person’s needs can be met by services from within your own agency, or by other professionals already working with the family. If you are unsure and would like a consultation with a social worker contact the MASH for advice.

If you believe that urgent action is needed, in cases where there is a child protection concern, please contact the MASH directly on 01344 352005 or email: mash@bracknell-forest.gov.uk.

For concerns that are not urgent, and where immediate action is not needed, all professionals must follow the multi agency threshold guidance and speak to your Designated Safeguarding Lead.

You can make either an Early Help referral or a Safeguarding referral. When making a referral, always gain consent from parents or carers, except where doing so may increase the risk of harm to the child or young person.

How to make a referral

If you are worried about the safety and wellbeing of a child right now, you should phone:

01344 352005 (8:30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday)

01344 351999 (5pm to 8:30am, Monday to Friday, 24 hours a day at weekends and bank holidays)

In an emergency, or if you believe a child is at immediate risk of harm call the police on 999.

Use this form to make a Safeguarding referral but read the criteria before making this type of referral.

More information on how to make a referral can be found here.

Alternatively you can call ChildLine for advice on 0800 1111 or email them by visiting www.childline.org.uk