NSPCC Helpline and texting service

The NSPCC provides advice and support to adults who are concerned about the safety or welfare of a child. They are available 24 hours a day, every day by phone and online. It's free and you don't have to say who you are. They also provide services in several languages, and for deaf and hard-of-hearing people.

More information is available by clicking here but here is a summary:

The NSPCC Helpline launched a mobile phone texting service to allow members of the public to contact the Helpline by texting 88858. They can use the text service to seek advice and assistance and also to report concerns that may need follow up action or investigation.

The public can send a text, anonymously if they wish, at no cost to themselves. On receipt of the text, the Helpline will send an immediate automated confirmation response and then a specific response to their enquiry from a Helpline practitioner within three hours.

The NSPCC Helpline is experienced in dealing with enquiries and safeguarding issues raised by the public which would otherwise place additional demands on the statutory services.

Besides texting there are a range of options that people have for contacting the Helpline; telephone (0808 800 5000), email (help@nspcc.org.uk) and reporting on line (at www.nspcc.org.uk). All these services are available free to users and on a 24-hour basis.