NSPCC report 72,000 helpline contacts with half referred to social services or police
The number of calls and emails made to the NSPCC helpline rose to more than 72,000 last year, with around half referred to social services or the police.
The charity received 72,812 contacts from those concerned about children in 2018/19, including 9,232 about sexual abuse – around 13% of the total.
This compared to 65,067 calls and emails in 2017/18, of which 8,333 concerned sexual abuse – again around 13%.
In 2018/19, 49% of contacts were referred to social services or the police, compared to 58% the previous year.
Calpol is donating 5p from every sale in certain outlets to the NSPCC to help the charity answer 10,000 calls.
Mike McGrath, head of partnerships at the NSPCC, said: “Our NSPCC Helpline provides a critical service across the UK.
“It’s vital that we can continue to provide this support to adults so that they know there is somewhere they can go if they are concerned for the safety of a child.
“We are delighted to have teamed up with Calpol, which is helping us to answer 10,000 calls and be there for children who need us.”
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