The P Pod

The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership

Welcome to the Partnership Podcast - The P Pod, from the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership! Meet the agencies who will help you to support children, young people and their families across Somerset. Explore local and national learning and how to improve your safeguarding practice. If you would like to take part in a future podcast or have any questions or comments arising from any episodes we'd love you to contact us at theppod@somerset.gov.uk www.somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

  1. 15 Jun

    Why We (DON'T) talk about CSA with Jeremy Indika

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod Most of us find it incredibly uncomfortable to discuss child sexual abuse openly—and for good reason.  Jeremy Indika, founder of Something to Say and advocate for survivors, joins us to unravel why talking about abuse remains taboo and how we can break down those barriers. His powerful personal story, alongside expert insights, shines a light on the unseen complexities that make it so hard for children and adults alike to speak up—and why staying silent is the biggest risk of all. You’ll discover: The subtle signs and manipulative tactics abusers use to keep children silent and examples from Jeremy’s own experience. How our current conversations and protective measures might be outdated and what new approaches can empower children to disclose safely. The importance of shifting perceptions: viewing abuse through a child’s lens and understanding why pleasure or confusion can complicate their responses. Practical strategies for professionals and parents to foster confidence, trust, and open dialogue with children—without adding to their shame or confusion. Why engaging directly with offenders can be part of prevention—and how a science-based, rational approach can help us understand and disrupt grooming behaviours before harm occurs. This episode is essential listening for anyone working with children—teachers, social workers, youth workers, and parents—who want to move beyond fear and stigma to truly protect and empower young lives. Jeremy’s insights challenge us all to rethink our responses and build a safer, more open future. Jeremy Indika is a passionate advocate, founder of Something to Say, and a survivor who uses his experiences to educate and reform safeguarding practices across sectors. To find out more go to https://jeremyindika.com/ Reflective Questions from this Episode: 1. How can we create a safe and supportive environment for children to disclose abuse without fear of judgment or repercussions. 2. In what ways can our current safeguarding practices be improved to better identify and respond to subtle signs of abuse? 3.How can we engage with offenders in a way that contributes to prevention and understanding, while maintaining the safety and dignity of survivors? Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    1hr 2min

  2. 1 Jun

    Women as Perpetrators of Child Sexual Abuse

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod In todays episode we're fortunate to be joined by Dr. Alex Bailey, Forensic Psychologist from The Lucy Faithful Foundation as we look to gain a greater understanding of differing typologies of female perpetrators of CSA, the risks and additional barriers to children when the perpetrator of abuse is female and the support available for both actual and potential perpetrators and professionals through the Stop It Now campaign. Find out more at www.lucyfaithful.org.uk   Reflective Questions Based on This Episode: How can we ensure that our safeguarding practices are free from unconscious bias, particularly in recognizing female perpetrators of abuse? What strategies can we implement to create a safe environment for children to disclose abuse, especially when the perpetrator is a female caregiver? In what ways can we better support and educate families and communities about the complexities of abuse dynamics, including the roles of women as potential perpetrators?Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    57 min

  3. 11 May

    Responding to Children Who Report Sexual Abuse

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod Most professionals shy away from conversations about child sexual abuse because they fear doing harm or making mistakes — but what if confidence and simple, compassionate communication tools could change everything? In this episode, we dive deep into the updated practical resources from the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, designed to empower everyone—from teachers and coaches to healthcare assistants—to have meaningful, trauma-informed conversations with children. Our guest, Dr. Natasha Sabin, Practice Improvement Advisor at CSA Centre, shares insights from their recent resource updates. She explains how their "Communicating with Children" guide supports a broad range of professionals to notice subtle signs of distress, create safe spaces for disclosures, and respond confidently—even when verbal communication is limited.  You'll discover the importance of meeting children where they are in terms of communication, how to build trust without leading, and why understanding trauma’s impact on memory is crucial for effective listening. We also break down how everyday conversations — like noticing mood changes or asking gentle open-ended questions — can act as vital proactive steps in safeguarding.  Natasha emphasizes that most disclosures happen gradually, through a process of noticing non-verbal cues and providing children with control and reassurance. This episode underscores why response is everything: ignoring quiet signals or relying on children to tell only when they're ready can leave children at greater risk—and why empowering every adult to be a confident, trustworthy listener makes a measurable difference in safeguarding practice. Perfect for teachers, healthcare workers, social workers, sports coaches, and anyone who works with children, this conversation highlights how simple shifts in approach and mindset can transform safeguarding efforts. Whether you're new to child protection or looking to refresh your skills, this episode offers practical, evidence-based strategies to foster confidence and turn everyday interactions into protective opportunities.  Dr. Natasha Sabin is the Practice Improvement Advisor at the Centre of Expertise on Child Sexual Abuse, bringing expert insights on trauma-informed communication and safeguarding best practices. Reflective Questions for Team Discussions: 1) How can we create a more supportive environment for children to express their feelings and concerns? 2) What strategies can we implement to better recognize non-verbal cues of distress in children?  3) How can we ensure that our communication approach is trauma-informed and empowers children to feel safe and heard? Check out the CSA Centre Website, including the resources discussed in this episode HERE Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    53 min
  4. Working Together 2026 Update Special

    27 Apr

    Working Together 2026 Update Special

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod We are back with a new series of The P Pod after a short hiatus with today's episode with SSCP's Business Manager, Jasmine Wark where we bring you the key highlights of the changes that have been made in the recently published update to Working Together to Safeguard Children 2026. If you'd like to find out more about the Families First Programme mentioned in this episode you can go to the SSCP website HERE, or check out the government information on the programme HERE. Reflective Questions Based on this Episode to Encourage Team Discussions: 1) Seeing the whole child and family In light of the stronger emphasis on Family Help and a whole‑family, child‑centred approach, how confident are we that children’s lived experiences are genuinely shaping our decisions—and what might we need to do differently to ensure this happens consistently in our day‑to‑day practice? What does putting family-led practice at the heart of everything we do actually look like in how we engage and support families needs? 2) Curiosity, challenge and disproportionality The guidance places stronger expectations on anti‑racist and anti‑discriminatory practice—how do we, as a team, create enough professional curiosity and psychological safety to recognise bias, challenge decisions (our own and others’), and address disproportionality when we see it? 3) Working better together when risks are complex With clearer expectations about multi‑agency accountability and children experiencing multiple or hidden harms (such as CSA, domestic abuse, or harm outside the home), where do we work best together—and where do gaps in information‑sharing, thresholds or roles still create risk for children?Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    39 min
  5. P Pod Christmas Special 2025 - P Pod Wrapped!

    24/12/2025

    P Pod Christmas Special 2025 - P Pod Wrapped!

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod It's that time of year again when we deck the halls, hang up our stockings and, more stress inducing for the SSCP Business Unit, our host, SSCP Training Manager Steve Macabee cajoles the rest of the team to join him in recording a Christmas Special P Pod where they reflect on everything that they've been up to in 2025 and begin to look towards 2026. Another unique opportunity to gain an insight into the work of the Business Unit and the wider Partnership work and understand why certain developments have taken place in the last year and what you can expect in the year to come. Thank you to all of the guests that have joined us at the P Pod in the last year, and of course to everyone for listening. We'll be taking a short break after this to record many more episodes, but look forward to you joining us again later in the year.  Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    1hr 34min

  6. 01/12/2025

    "I Wanted Them all to Notice" - learnings on Child Sexual Abuse - P Pod LIVE Recording!

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod Today you join us for a very special P Pod Episode indeed as we're joined not only by the National Child Safeguarding Practice Review Panel's Sally Shearer OBE, who talks about the National Panels review into Interfamilial Child Sexual Abuse, but also over 130 others who joined us for this livestreamed podcast recording. We also hear from those who joined to watch the live recording, as well as Margaret Brookes (SSCP Business Manager) and Kerry Male (Dept Designated Nurse for Safeguarding from Somerset's ICB) who discuss the local implementations of the National Panel's report recommendations. This episode was recorded on 1st December 2025 as part of the SSCP's Forum Week of webinars on CSA. You can find out more, along with the webinar recordings for the rest of the week on the SSCP December 2025 Forum Week Webpage   Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    1hr 27min

  7. 17/11/2025

    Empowering Schools with NSPCC Programmes

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod In this episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Tamsin Sheldrake from the NSPCC about the organization's vital role in safeguarding children.  Tamsin discusses her work within the Schools Service Team, focusing on various programs designed to educate children and support schools in addressing safeguarding issues.  The conversation covers the NSPCC's 10-year strategy, the importance of a whole school approach, and the various resources available for teachers and parents.  Tamsin also highlights the significance of Childline and the adult helpline, emphasising the need for community involvement and volunteer support in safeguarding efforts. Links to information referenced in this episode: Working with schools | NSPCC NSPCC | Volunteers NSPCC Helpline | NSPCC Childline | NSPCC Common Sense Media: www.commonsense.org Reflective Questions for Professionals Based on this Episode 1. How well do we ensure that everyone in our organisation or team—regardless of role or seniority—feels prepared and confident to respond to safeguarding concerns or disclosures from children, young people, or families? Consider whether all staff, volunteers, and professionals know how to respond and where to seek support, not just those in specialist safeguarding roles. 2. In what ways are we embedding safeguarding principles and resources into our everyday practice, rather than relying on occasional training or one-off communications? Reflect on how safeguarding is part of your organisational culture, ongoing conversations, and routine activities, ensuring it’s a “golden thread” throughout your work. 3. What emerging challenges—such as online safety, mental health, or social isolation—are we noticing among the people we support, and how are we adapting our approaches and resources to meet these evolving needs? Discuss recent trends or concerns, and explore how your team can proactively respond, including signposting to relevant support services or updating your own knowledge and resources. Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    45 min

  8. 03/11/2025

    Safeguarding Victims and Vulnerable people with the Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit

    Get in touch with us at The P Pod  In todays episode of the P-Pod, Steve Macabee speaks with Alison Jenkinson and Tim McDonald from Avon and Somerset Police’s Lighthouse Safeguarding Unit. They unpack the unit’s vital role in protecting children and vulnerable individuals, handling over 100,000 tasks annually and work to liaise across multiagency partners and respond to the complex needs of families. Topics include domestic abuse, mental health, child exploitation, trauma-informed practice, and multi-agency collaboration and explores the challenges of information sharing, the importance of trauma-informed practice, and the evolving landscape of safeguarding in response to new legislation and societal needs.  A must-listen for anyone working in or curious about safeguarding.  Reflective Questions Based on this Episode: How effectively are we identifying and responding to mental health concerns in children and families, especially when there is no clear referral pathway? Consider gaps in current practice and opportunities for better collaboration with mental health services.In what ways can we strengthen our trauma-informed approach when communicating with victims or reviewing safeguarding concerns? Reflect on language, tone, and timing, especially in high-stress or sensitive situations.How can we improve multi-agency information sharing to prevent repeat safeguarding incidents and ensure timely support for vulnerable individuals? Think about current barriers and practical steps to enhance coordination across services.Further details of topics discussed can be found on the SSCP Website: somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk If you have any comments or questions from this podcast, or would like to be involved in a future episode please get in touch at ThePPod@somerset.gov.uk To access the transcript for this episode go to The P Pod (somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk) and click on the episode for details.

    46 min
See All (60)

Trailer

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to the Partnership Podcast - The P Pod, from the Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership! Meet the agencies who will help you to support children, young people and their families across Somerset. Explore local and national learning and how to improve your safeguarding practice. If you would like to take part in a future podcast or have any questions or comments arising from any episodes we'd love you to contact us at theppod@somerset.gov.uk www.somersetsafeguardingchildren.org.uk

Information

  • Creator
    The Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    60
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Somerset Safeguarding Children Partnership
  • Show Website
    The P Pod

You Might Also Like