Safeguarding

Sylva is built with safeguarding at the centre of everything we do. Every conversation is monitored by our AI safeguarding systems, with automated alerts that flag concerning content for human review. Our Designated Safeguarding Lead oversees all safeguarding concerns, supported by a Clinical Safety Officer and a governance structure that meets NHS standards. We hold DCB0129 Clinical Risk Management certification, ISO27001 Information Security accreditation, and follow rigorous protocols audited regularly by independent experts. This means when you use Sylva, you're protected by the same safeguarding standards used across the NHS—but we also know that some situations need immediate professional intervention beyond what any digital tool can provide:

When you need help right now

Sylva provides support for everyday challenges. But some situations need immediate professional intervention. Here's how to get urgent help.

Emergency services

If your child or anyone is in immediate danger:

📞 Call 999 and ask for police and ambulance if needed

Go directly to A&E if you need urgent medical attention

Call NHS 111 for urgent medical help and advice

Signs of immediate danger:

  • Serious injury or medical emergency

  • Suicide attempt in progress

  • Severe self-harm

  • Violence towards others

  • Missing child in unsafe situation

Silent calls: If it isn't safe to speak, call 999 and press 55 when prompted to use the Silent Solution system.

Crisis lines

For your child:

Childline – 📞 0800 1111 Free, confidential support for anyone under 19. Online chat available at childline.org.uk

Papyrus HOPELINEUK – 📞 0800 068 4141 For young people under 35 having suicidal thoughts. Text 07860 039967 or email pat@papyrus-uk.org. Available 24 hours a day.

The Mix – 0808 808 4994 Support for under-25s. Online chat available at themix.org.uk

CALM (Campaign Against Living Miserably) – 0800 585 858 For people aged 15 and over. Webchat also available at thecalmzone.net

For you as a parent or carer:

Samaritans – 📞 Call 116 123 https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/ Free, confidential, 24/7 support for anyone in emotional distress. Email jo@samaritans.org

Shout Crisis Text Line – Text SHOUT to 85258 Free, 24/7 text service for anyone in crisis https://londonwaitingroom.nhs.uk/shout-85258

Family Lives – 📞 Call 0808 800 2222Web chat support available for parents under stress. familylives.org.uk

NSPCC Helpline – 📞 0808 800 5000

Help for adults concerned about a child. Email help@nspcc.org.ukk, call 999 and press 55 when prompted to use the Silent Solution system.

NHS mental health services

How to access CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services):

  1. GP referral – Ask your GP for a CAMHS referral. Bring your Sylva profile to strengthen the case.

  2. Self-referral – Some areas accept direct referrals from parents. Check your local NHS trust website.

  3. School referral – Schools can refer to CAMHS. Request a meeting with your SENCO or pastoral lead.

What to expect: Waiting times vary (six weeks to 18 months). Ask for crisis support or waiting well resources if the wait is long.

Find your local CAMHS:

SEARCH -Children and young people’s mental health services" and including the county or town you live in

SANELINE – 📞 0300 304 7000
Specialist support for those affected by mental illness, including friends, family and carers. Open 4pm-10pm every day.

Specialist support for children and families

National Autistic Society

autism.org.uk Autism-specific advice and resources (not a crisis service)

ADHD Foundation - 📞 0151 541 9020 | adhdfoundation.org.uk
Support for ADHD and related conditions. Also visit adhduk.co.uk

Young Minds Parent Helpline - 📞 0808 802 5544 | youngminds.org.uk

Mental health support for parents - Contact (for families with disabled children) 📞 0808 808 3555 | contact.org.uk
Benefits, education and advocacy support

Domestic abuse and violence

National Domestic Abuse Helpline – 📞 0808 2000 247https://www.nationaldahelpline.org.uk/  Free, confidential help available 24/7. You can also text HOME to 741741.

Women's Aid –womensaid.org.uk  Free chat service available 

Men's Advice Line – 📞 0808 8010 327 For men affected by domestic violence. Monday to Friday, 10am-8pm. Visitmensadviceline.org.uk

Respect helpline – 📞 0808 802 4040 https://respectphoneline.org.uk/ Free support if you're worried about your own behaviour

Ask for ANI – Safe word for people seeking support with domestic abuse. In pharmacies displaying the logothey will offer you a safe space and support for domestic abuse

Money advice plus – 📞 0808 196 8845 https://www.moneyadviceplus.org.uk/getting-advice-support/#vs-da  Specialist service for victims of economic and financial abuse. Open 9am-5pm weekdays.

Additional helplines

When Sylva can't help

Sylva is designed for:

  •  Understanding your child's needs

  •  Developing effective parenting and relationship strategies

  •  Advocating with schools

  •  Managing everyday challenges

Sylva is not designed for:

  •  Emergency medical or mental health crises

  •  Diagnosis (only professionals can diagnose)

  •  Replacing therapy or medical treatment

  •  Legal or safeguarding advice

If you're unsure whether Sylva is appropriate for your situation, please call one of the services above.

Your safety and your child's safety are more important than any subscription.

Safeguarding at Sylva

We take safeguarding seriously. Every conversation is monitored by our clinical safety systems, and our Designated Safeguarding Lead reviews flagged conversations.

Our safeguarding measures include:

  • DCB0129 Clinical Risk Management certification

  • Human Designated Safeguarding Lead oversight

  • Automated alerts for concerning content

  • Clear escalation protocols

  • Regular safeguarding audits

You're not alone.
Help is available right now.