Call the NSPCC Helpline

You can call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 at any time of the day or night, 365 days a year.

When you call

This is how your call might take place, step by step:

• An operator will ask very briefly about the nature of your concern.
• You will be put through to an advisor. They will ask you to talk generally about the child’s situation.
• They will explain to you how you can remain anonymous.
• If all advisors are busy, we will offer you some options. You can call back later, request a call back from us, and learn about other ways of getting in touch (such as via email or our online form ).
• Based on what you know, the advisor will make a decision about whether the police or children’s services need to know.
• If they need to refer the case to the police or children’s services, they will ask for some details to identify the child.
• If the advisor decides a referral is not necessary, they will give you some advice about how you can help the child in future – by giving you warning signs to look out for, or about support you can offer their parents or carers.
• An advisor will never force you to provide details of children you are concerned about, you will always be in control of what you want to say.

Staying anonymous – by phone

You can remain anonymous when you call. If you do give your details we will not give your name or address to the person or family you have concerns about. If we need to refer the case to children’s services, or the police, and we have your details, we will share them. We always remind these agencies not to share your details with the family.

If you ask for a call back, we will need a name and contact number. An alias is fine, as we need to use this name if we refer the concern to children’s services or the police.

All calls are recorded and will be kept for six years. We do this to make sure we give you the best possible service.

Your phone bill

Your call is free from a landline and doesn’t appear on your bill. We have been told that the same is true for mobiles on Virgin, O2, Orange, 3 and T-Mobile. However, Vodafone will charge for calls to 0808 numbers so it will appear on your bill.