Help and advice for young people in aikido

If you are 10 years old or younger this is the page for you! Otherwise click here for more information

Don't let anyone spoil the fun

Aikido is fun - it gives you the chance to make new friends and amaze yourself with what you can do! But for a few children the fun is spoilt by adults who do or say things during aikido that hurt or frighten them. What is happening to these children may be wrong and they may feel they have no one to talk to about it. Or that no one will listen to them or believe what they say.

Is something at aikido worrying you? Are you scared about someone? If Yes, or if you're not sure ................... Don't keep it to yourself It's really important to tell an adult you trust. This isn't easy. You may feel unsure about what will happen if you do. Here are some other reasons why you may not want to tell anyone:

the person that hurt you may have told you to keep quiet and not to talk to anybody they may have said they will hurt you, friends or family they may have said "No one will believe you" or "No one will do anything if you tell" the person may be someone who everyone in your aikido club looks up to or is in charge. you may not want to let your parents down you may even think the problem will go away if you ignore it. Don't let any of these things stop you getting help. By telling someone, you can stop the problem. You'll also be helping to protect other children.

How to get help

Tell an adult you trust as soon as possible. This could be: a parent or someone else in your family; another member at the aikido club for example the club welfare officer; a teacher or school counsellor; your doctor or school nurse. If you have any problems please contact your Association Child Protection Officer (look on your association website for there name) or contact Sue Ward, the BAB Lead Child Protection Officer on01271 327800 or 01271 343952  If Sue is not immediately available please leave a message and she will call you back. You can also email - Make sure you are not alone again with the person who has tried to harm you. If you think you might be hurt right now, contact the police on 999. You can ring the NSPCC's 24 hour free phone helpline Telephone:             0808 800 5000 Asian Helpline:      0808 096 7719 Welsh Helpline:    0808 100 2524 Textphone:             0800 056 0686 (for deaf users) Website:                 www.nspcc.org.uk You can also contact the Child Protection in Sport Unit (CPSU) 3 Gilmour Close, Beaumont Leys, Leicester LE4 1EZ Telephone:             0116 235 7278 Website:                www.thecpsu.org.uk

Other Useful websites

www.childline.org.uk      - ChildLine is the UK's free and confidential, 24-hour helpline for children in distress or danger. www.bullying.co.uk         - Advice for children, parents and schools about dealing with bullying. www.thinkuknow.co.uk - The latest information on the websites you like to visit, mobiles and new technology. Find out what's good, what's not and what you can do about it.

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