News reports located on this page = 2.

Rising number of contacts to the NSPCC Helpline about wellbeing of children

IN 2018/19 the Helpline received 72,812 calls and emails, referring 49% of these on to Police and Social Services to take further action. In the North West, the Helpline made 6,107 referrals to Police and Social Services during that period. The charity's Helpline hears from worried adults every day and night of the week, with concerns ranging from child neglect to sexual, physical and emotional abuse. The overall rise in contacts is also reflected in the figures for sexual abuse, which has seen an 11% jump in the past year. In the North West, 575 referrals were made in connection with sexual abuse in 2018/19. These figures come as the NSPCC announces a new partnership; Together we're giving kids a brighter future; with Johnson and Johnson Ltd, the makers of CALPOLŪ. The partnership will help the charity to answer 10,000 calls from people worried about a child.

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."

James Gooddy, Assistant Brand Manager at CALPOLŪ, said:- "For over 50 years CALPOLŪ has been helping parents in the UK to look after their children's health. Our purpose is to 'Let Kids Be Kids' and therefore we are delighted to have partnered with the NSPCC; the UK's leading children's charity; in order to help keep children safe from abuse and neglect. This year we will be supporting the NSPCC helpline to help answer 10,000 calls, which will go a long way towards our shared goal of giving kids a brighter future."

Johnson and Johnson Limited is donating 5p to the NSPCC for every CALPOLŪ product sold in Boots from 31 July to 10 September; Tesco - 14 August to 24 September; Superdrug - 11 September to 8 October; and Asda - 14 September to 12 October, in 2019, within the UK, to help the NSPCC answer 10,000 calls.

More information about Together we're giving kids a brighter future can be found at:- Calpol.Co.UK/NSPCC. 

Adults concerned about a child can contact the NSPCC Helpline seven days a week on 0808 800 5000, or via email.

Marie Curie appeal for volunteers in Southport

MARIE Curie, the UK's leading charity for people living with a terminal illness, is appealing for volunteers in Southport to help fundraise and raise the profile of the charity. Volunteers will help raise funds in the local area to help support Marie Curie Nurses, who work day and night in people's homes across Southport, providing hands on care and vital emotional support. New recruits will also support major fundraising campaigns, including the Great Daffodil Appeal and Blooming Great Tea Party, as well as help spread the word about Marie Curie by informing people how the charity's services, including its free Information and Support line, can help people living with a terminal illness and their loved ones.

Russell Welch from Southport, who volunteers to collect for the charity and who has had 1st hand experience of Marie Curie care and support said:- "My mum was looked after by Marie Curie Nurses at home at the end of her life and this meant that she was able to die peacefully at home - something which she and our whole family wanted. I know I couldn't have coped through the experience without the support, counselling and guidance of our Marie Curie Nurses. They helped us get through an incredibly painful and difficult time.  After my mum died, I was keen to give something back to Marie Curie, so I decided to volunteer to collect and this gave me great pleasure. It's also a good chance to meet like-minded people and help spread the word about the support the charity offers. I'd urge anyone to get involved and volunteer for Marie Curie as you never know when yourself or a member of your family may need to call on this fantastic, free service."

Tina Gill, Marie Curie Community fundraiser for Southport, said:- "We hope there are plenty of people in the community who could give up a few hours each month to join other volunteers in fundraising for Marie Curie. We are looking for individuals who are passionate, organised and have great communication skills to volunteer throughout the year to help us raise money to enable Marie Curie to provide care and support to people living with any terminal illness and their families. Volunteers will also have the chance to join our Southport Fundraising Group which we're hoping to set up this year."

If anyone is interested in volunteering for Marie Curie across Southport, please contact Tina Gill, Marie Curie Community Fundraiser for Southport, on:- 0151 8011 405 or sending an email to:- Tina.Gill@Mariecurie.Org.UK.