CHILD neglect in east Cheshire is the focus of a new council strategy, with aims centring on early identification and intervention.

Cheshire East Council’s local safeguarding children board (LSCB) is urging residents to report potential cases, where children may look malnourished, be frequently absent from school or appear withdrawn.

In developing the scheme, the council worked with children affected by abuse and neglect.

One child said: “When neglected you feel alone, isolated and like you’re different to the rest, nothing you do or say matters.”

Another said: “I felt like I missed out and it felt like it was my fault we weren’t allowed what others had, we didn’t get the love others got. It makes you feel different and even now two years later the feeling never goes away.”

Councillor Liz Durham, CEC cabinet member for children and families, said: “Historically the challenge we have faced as a society in addressing this terrible problem, is that many of us have been too unsure of ourselves to come forward. Hopefully this will now change.”

Gill Frame, chairman of the LSCB said: “Neglect causes great distress to children, leading to poor health, educational and social outcomes and is potentially fatal.”

Call 0300 123 5012 in confidence or visit www.cheshireeastlscb.org.uk/neglect to report issues.