Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) and Child Protection Team - NCT

Report a Concern

If you are worried that a child or young person might be at risk of neglect, harm, or abuse, you should tell someone.

You are not being asked to judge or interfere in someone’s life. The goal is to make sure the child gets the help, support, and protection they need.

If you believe a child or young person is in immediate danger, call emergency services by dialing 999.

If the child or young person is not in immediate danger, report your concern to the Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH).

What is the MASH?

The Multi-Agency Safeguarding Hub (MASH) brings together professionals from social care, the police, health, and early help. They share information and work together to decide the best action for your concerns.

If you have an urgent concern outside normal working hours, call the Emergency Duty Team on 0300 126 7000.

When you contact MASH, they will listen to you, explore your concerns, and decide the next steps using 'Right Help, Right Time' (PDF 6.6MB). This guidance explains the different levels of need and how professionals work together to provide early help and prevent problems from getting worse.

Judging the level of need is not an exact science, but the guidance gives clarity and helps everyone apply thresholds consistently.

What Should You Do?

If you are a professional with concerns about a child or young person:

Urgent concern: Call the MASH immediately on 0300 126 7000. A professional will record your concern. If it meets the threshold for a referral, you will need to submit a written copy after the call.

No immediate danger: Check the level of need and risk before acting. Use the 'Right Help, Right Time' guidance to help. If your concern meets the threshold for statutory intervention, call MASH or complete the online referral form.

• Complete a MASH Referral

If you are a member of the public:

If you are worried about a child or young person, call the MASH on 0300 126 7000. For urgent concerns outside normal hours, call the Emergency Duty Team at the same number.