NSPCC concerned about children under one

The NSPCC has released new figures highlighting the number of calls it received to its Helpline that related to children aged under one year old. In Northern Ireland 22 referrals with concerns for a child under one were made to children’s services over the last year.

The Helpline was contacted from people all across the UK who had a range of concerns about a baby, including a worried Northern Ireland caller who contacted the NSPCC Helpline about Aisha* due to her being dirty and having a severe nappy rash. Aisha's mother did not feed her regularly and left her to cry for long periods of time. It was clear that the mother needed further support to ensure that Aisha was well cared for and safe. The Helpline contacted children's services to request that an assessment was carried out to ensure they were given the right help and support.

The leading children’s charity is calling for services that work with parents to recognised and tackle these problems and for the public to contact their Helpline if they are concerned about a baby. Despite a high-level of reporting to its helpline the NSPCC believes there are far more babies who are at risk but do not get the help they need.

The charity’s ‘All Babies Count’ campaign at www.nspcc.org.uk/allbabiescount argues that much more needs to be done to prevent situations getting to the point where serious action is required. By working with families under pressure and providing effective support they can be helped before problems build up and reach crisis point.   

TV psychologist and NSPCC Helpline Ambassador, Dr Linda Papadopoulos who is backing the NSPCC’s call for action said:

“A baby’s first year provides the essential foundations for all future learning, behaviour and health. Harm at this age can have lifelong consequences.

“Older children may be able to confide in someone or call ChildLine if there is a problem, but obviously babies can’t. This makes it even more important that any concerns are reported straight away to the NSPCC Helpline.

“It’s never been easier for people to get in touch with an NSPCC helpline counsellor. You can call, email and now text the helpline in confidence if you are worried about a baby or any child. And parents themselves can also call for support if they are struggling to care for their baby, so they can get professional help to develop safe and happy relationships with their children.”

National head of service in Northern Ireland, Neil Anderson, said: “The NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000, [email protected] or text number – 88858 – is here to help any child in danger. The public have been coming forward when they see a child in danger and we urge them to keep calling. But we are also taking action and calling on the executive to support us and stop abuse and neglect happening in the first place by investing in early intervention and frontline services working with babies including both universal health visiting services and more targeted evidence-based programmes such as the Family Nurse Partnership.

“To help keep families safe, it is vital that problems are picked up early and for appropriate support be put in place. Services need to think about the whole family - not only helping parents deal with drink and drug problems, for example, but also ensuring they are able to care for their baby. Services must be available before it reaches crisis point."

The NSPCC’s free 24 hour helpline is staffed by experienced child protection helpline counsellors. They have the knowledge and experience to know when a family needs more help and when a referral to the authorities needs to be made in order to keep a child safe. NSPCC Helpline counsellors can be contact in confidence on 0808 800 5000, text 88858, or email [email protected].

*All names and potentially identifying details have been changed to protect identities