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   ;)  NSPCC launches Helpline text service to report child abuse in Greater Manchester
The NSPCC is today (16 May) launching a text service to drive ‘on the spot’ reports of child abuse to its Helpline in Greater Manchester and across the UK.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. 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 seven people polled in the North West said they had been concerned a child was being abused or neglected, but 36% 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 national 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, 56% of adults in the North West who had been concerned about a child had not acted immediately because they didn’t know what to do or who to call. Adults can contact the NSPCC Helpline about any worry they might have about a child, no matter what it is. Just for the period 2009-10, the Helpline received in the region of 754 calls from the Greater Manchester area3. On one occasion, a caller from Greater Manchester contacted the NSPCC Helpline anonymously to share concerns about a five-year-old girl who was being physically and emotionally abused and neglected because her mother was misusing drugs and alcohol. The caller had seen the little girl being hit, shouted and sworn at. She was described as skinny and the caller suspected any money in the household was being spent on drugs and alcohol. The caller was advised by the NSPCC Helpline adviser that the information would be shared with children's services that day so they could carry out an assessment4. Alison Houghton, Service Manager at the NSPCC Helpline in Salford, 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. Alison Houghton continued: “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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