Day 24: The NSPCC
Day 24: The NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children)
Website: www.nspcc.org.uk
My first reaction to the full title of the NSPCC is always 'well, I actually don't think cruelty to adults is that great either!'. But that kind of misses the point which this charity is trying to make, which is that children are worthy of help if they are in danger, for their own sake, and are a subgroup of people who especially benefit from such external help as they more likely than most to not have the power, system knowledge or resources to help themselves.
The NSPCC are largely a political/awareness raising group who campaign to change UK law to protect children (especially in the areas of neglect and abuse) and offer consultancy services on child protection. However the charity does also run the famous Childline (theirs since 2006) and the NSPCC Helpline for adults who are concerned about the welfare of a particular child or children (in fact there are a few useful numbers for adults). I can recall being told about Childline on Blue Peter and how it doesn't show up as 'Childline' on telephone bills (disclaimer: this was in the 1980s, it may be different now) and thinking that was a great idea and very reassuring to know that someone was doing that for children even though I lived in a happy family and never felt moved to call it, so I hope it has that comforting effect but even more so for children who do actually feel the need to use the service.
Donation Page: www.nspcc.org.uk/donate/donate_hub_wdh71776.html
Today my 5 pounds has possibly helped to pay for an NSPCC ChildLine worker to answer calls for fifteen minutes "so more desperate children can get the vital help they need".