NSPCC launches Helpline text service to report child abuse

The NSPCC is today (16 May) launching a text service to drive 'on the spot' reports of child abuse to its Helpline. (1) The text number - 88858 - is free and available 24 hours a day.

The NSPCC is also announcing TV psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos as its first ever Helpline Ambassador today. She is backing the NSPCC call for people to act when worried about a child.

The launch comes as an NSPCC poll reveals people are unlikely to report child abuse unless they act immediately. (2)  One in five polled said they had been concerned a child was being abused or neglected, but most (55%) of those who didn't report their fears immediately took no action later.

Dr Linda Papadopoulos says: "Most people want to help children. Four in five people in the NSPCC poll said they would report abuse later if they didn't do so straight away. But the reality is very different - the longer people wait, the less likely they are to act.

"As a psychologist I know how easily people talk themselves out of doing anything. They may think it's none of their business, or they've made a mistake, or they simply can't decide what to do. But procrastination can be fatal for an abused child. Tomorrow may be too late.

"Sending a text is quick and immediate, whether you're at home or out shopping. It's good to know you've taken action. So if you're worried about a child, the message is simple. Don't delay, text the Helpline today."

In the NSPCC poll, almost half of adults (48%) who had been concerned about a child had not acted immediately because they didn't know what to do or who to call. Some said they were worried about being overheard (12%) or didn't want to speak to someone on the phone (10%). Others feared retaliation or were anxious about making a mistake.

John Cameron, head of the NSPCC Helpline, said: "We must pick up on the signs of child abuse as early as possible. Social workers cannot be in the community all the time. By texting the Helpline the public can help be their eyes and ears.

"Our new text service - 88858 - is discreet and only takes a few seconds but it could be the difference between life and death for a child."

Anyone sending a text to the NSPCC Helpline on 88858 will receive an immediate response confirming that their message has been received. This message will also encourage them to call the Helpline on 0808 800 5000, or to contact the police if they think a child is in immediate danger.

A trained NSPCC Helpline counsellor will reply to a text message within three hours, and offer advice, information and assistance. They may ask for additional information about the person's concerns, or confirm that a referral has been made to the police or social services.

The new text service makes the NSPCC Helpline more accessible, and adds to the existing ways that people can get in touch, by 24-hour freephone (0808 800 5000), by email help@nspcc.org.uk, or by making a report online at www.nspcc.org.uk/helpline.

John Cameron says: "Some people may prefer texting to talking when reporting abuse or seeking advice and information about keeping children safe. However you contact the Helpline, it's about choosing the right option for you."

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Notes to editors:
(1) The NSPCC is piloting the Helpline text service until December 2011
(2) The NSPCC commissioned a poll of UK representative sample of 2,511 adults which was carried out by OpinionMatters in April 2011.
3. Linda Papadopoulos is the NSPCC Helpline's Ambassador. She is a Chartered Counselling and Health Psychologist and has extensive practice experience. She is also a researcher, and recently (2010) conducted a review on the sexualisation of children for the then government. As an Ambassador, Linda will advise the Helpline on practice issues, research, and communication and act as an advocate for the many adults who could use the service.
4. The initial findings from the NSPCC study were released in February 2011.
5. There were 45,985 children on child protection plans or registers in the UK at 31 March 2010 (excluding unborn children). http://www.nspcc.org.uk/Inform/research/statistics/child_protection_register_statistics_wda48723.html.

The NSPCC is the UK's leading children's charity specialising in child protection. Our vision is to end cruelty to children in the UK and we make a difference for all children by standing up for their rights, listening to them, helping them when they need us and by making them safe. The NSPCC runs projects and services across the United Kingdom and Channel Islands, including ChildLine, the UK's free, confidential 24-hour helpline for children and young people and the NSPCC Helpline for adults concerned about the safety of a child. www.nspcc.org.uk

The NSPCC Helpline provides advice, information, and assistance to people who have concerns about a child. It can bring abused and neglected children to the attention of local children's services and act as a gateway to other local services for children and families.
Anyone contacting the Helpline can choose to remain anonymous, unless a child is at risk or immediate harm or danger.

The NSPCC was awarded a Government grant worth £11.2 million over the period 2011-2015 for continued investment in ChildLine and the NSPCC Helpline.

Watch a new animation about the NSPCC Helpline at http://www.nspcc.org.uk/help-and-advice/worried-about-a-child/the-nspcc-helpline/about-the-nspcc-helpline/what-is-the-nspcc-helpline_wda72266.html