NSPCC launches new text helpline
10:37 - 25/05/2011
NSPCC launches new text helpline
The NSPCC has launched a free text service for people wanting to report cases of suspected child abuse to its Helpline.
The national children’s charity decided to launch the 24-hour text service to enable people to report child abuse the instant they witness it. The move comes in the wake of an NSPCC poll which revealed that people are less likely to report suspected abuse if they wait to take action.
Around one in five respondents said they had experienced concern for a child’s welfare but over half of those who didn’t take immediate action ended up failing to report their concerns at all. The poll also revealed that 48% of adults who had feared a child was being abused had not taken any action as they were unsure of what to do. Many admitted feeling worried about being overheard or nervous about talking to someone on the phone.
The new text number – 88858 – provides a discreet and more accessible way for people to report their concerns, wherever they are. Anyone who sends a text message to the service will receive an immediate confirmation that their report has been received and a trained NSPCC counsellor will then respond to the message within three hours, offering advice, information and guidance.
The launch of the new text service coincided with the NSPCC’s appointment of TV psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos as its first ever Helpline Ambassador. She 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 it straight away. But the reality is very different – the longer people wait, the less likely they are to act.
“[...] 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.”
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.”
First Response Training can provide Child Protection training for those working closely with children and young people. Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “This course provides staff with an introduction to the important topic of child protection. It teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and how to work safely as a team with the protection of children in mind.
“It covers the relevant policies and procedures, where abuse may occur and the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as discussing the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual. The course focuses on taking action and the correct channels to follow if you suspect that abuse is taking place. It is an essential course for anyone working in the childcare sector.”
For more information, please call First Response today on 0800 310 2300.
The national children’s charity decided to launch the 24-hour text service to enable people to report child abuse the instant they witness it. The move comes in the wake of an NSPCC poll which revealed that people are less likely to report suspected abuse if they wait to take action.
Around one in five respondents said they had experienced concern for a child’s welfare but over half of those who didn’t take immediate action ended up failing to report their concerns at all. The poll also revealed that 48% of adults who had feared a child was being abused had not taken any action as they were unsure of what to do. Many admitted feeling worried about being overheard or nervous about talking to someone on the phone.
The new text number – 88858 – provides a discreet and more accessible way for people to report their concerns, wherever they are. Anyone who sends a text message to the service will receive an immediate confirmation that their report has been received and a trained NSPCC counsellor will then respond to the message within three hours, offering advice, information and guidance.
The launch of the new text service coincided with the NSPCC’s appointment of TV psychologist Dr Linda Papadopoulos as its first ever Helpline Ambassador. She 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 it straight away. But the reality is very different – the longer people wait, the less likely they are to act.
“[...] 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.”
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.”
First Response Training can provide Child Protection training for those working closely with children and young people. Perry Leeks, Managing Director at First Response, says: “This course provides staff with an introduction to the important topic of child protection. It teaches delegates about their responsibilities for safeguarding children and how to work safely as a team with the protection of children in mind.
“It covers the relevant policies and procedures, where abuse may occur and the signs and symptoms of abuse, as well as discussing the different types of abuse, including physical, emotional and sexual. The course focuses on taking action and the correct channels to follow if you suspect that abuse is taking place. It is an essential course for anyone working in the childcare sector.”
For more information, please call First Response today on 0800 310 2300.
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