nspcc.org.uk

I would today like to write about a charity and it's website that is very close to my heart and one I donate on a monthly basis to the NSPCC (National Society Protection of Cruelty to Children). In today's society it seems that more and more children are living in poverty and this can lead to child abuse in it's many forms, I am aware that not all abused children come from poor backgrounds but I tend to see many of such cases are in the poorer and neglected areas of the country and amongst families suffering with unemployment and social deprivation.

Putting this aside there are increasing numbers of children suffering at the hands of adults and the NSPCC does all it can with the public's help to help these children. I suffered various forms of abuse as a child as you will know from my previous bullying review this ranged from mental torture to physical abuse and I never felt that I had anywhere to turn now children have. Only a very small amount of the abuse is ever really reported and this is a very sad fact but with the power that adults have over their children and children in general many feel they have nowhere to turn.

How Can You Help ?
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I give £5 a month and signed up for this online using the website where you can set up a monthly direct debit for whichever amount you can afford. Every penny helps and goes towards schemes and help lines designed specifically to help child most in need, help lines are listed on the NSPCC website these are free and offer advice for both children and people who suspect a child is being abused. But helping is not just limited to paying out each month if you really want to do more there are a number of ways in which you can help such as working in their charity shops, Fundraising and even volunteering to act as child support when a child has to appear in court and believe me this happens more than you would think.

The NSPCC is also in the process or signing people up for the Big Bike Ride this is happening all over the country and you can do it on your own or with friends or join an already organized event, raising cash for the NSPCC is simple just get people to fill in the sponsorship forms and ride. I have signed up with my kid's to do a cycle around our local nature park the Blue Lagoon if you wish to sponsor me then just go on the site and buy a band or badge that will be more than enough you can choose the amount you wish to give. Another easy way to help is to buy a full stop badge or wrist band from the website these are sent out and all you have to do is give a donation it is suggested £1 a time but you can pay what you can afford when it comes to the checkout.

Information
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The NSPCC offers lot's of information and resources on how to recognize possible abuse and the reporting process should you feel that a child is in danger. To many times you hear that social services have failed to protect a child that has died so if you suspect anything it is worth reporting it, if there is nothing to worry about this will be found out but on the other hand if you do nothing a child could be seriously in danger and most don't have the ability to report it or do anything about it themselves. In the information section you can also find all the phone numbers you will need or a child would need to help get advice and support and
up to date information on fundraising events etc to help you keep up to date.

Under 18's
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The under 18 years old part of the site is well laid out and easy to follow, here you can find all kinds of useful information, advice and phone numbers of organizations that may be able to help you. You can find help such as Childline and There4Me and many other resources for free help and advice. There are also sections offering advice on bullying and what constitutes abuse helping you to find out who can help best. REMEMBER that if you visit these sites on a shared computer you may want to delete your history files etc so nobody can see you have been looking especially if you are the one being abuse, steps to do this are explained on the website. There is also a great section on how to keep yourself safe in many different situations not just within the home but on the streets and in school.

Shop and Give
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The Shop and Give section is a brilliant idea and well worth a visit many companies will give a donation to the NSPCC if you shop with them via the NSPCC website. This process is simple just click on the companies link through the NSPCC website and then buy as normal this will be registered and the said donation will be made to the NSPCC by the company you have used. Here are some of the companies currently signed up to the scheme : Debenhams 1% of your spend, BT Broadband £30 for you signing up, Hi Tek Shoes 50p for every sale, Amazon £2.50 when you buy a compilation kid's video, John Dickenson Stationary 10p per box of envelopes ordered, Swiftcover.com £1 for every policy taken out, Agudoo 50p for every sale of children's cutlery I do hope many more companies sign up to this scheme soon and if you are a business take a look. The NSPCC also has it's own gardening shop so check it out online.

Recycling
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We all have things we should recycle such as printer cartridges and mobile phones as well as IT equipment if you donate these to said companies on the site they will donate large amounts to the NSPCC and not only this but you will be helping to save the environment through recycling so two good deeds in one hit. The following companies are currently signed up and can be accessed via the NSPCC website : Reclaim IT, Office Green and Tier 1.

Final Words
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So many times people take a look and do not act I am urging you to help even if it's only pennies or a little of your time please help to help those most at risk and with nobody to fight their corner. There are a huge list of celebrities who support the NSPCC which can be viewed on the website and the work they do is great but on it's own not enough it's the everyday people like me and you who can make the difference. The NSPCC helps in so many ways not just financially but with support and help for families and carrying their weight into government policies to help give better protection for vulnerable young people. I strongly believe in their causes as I am sure most of you will and I hope that I have made you think a little about how you may be able to help remember young people can't always defend themselves so lets give them a helping hand.

Many thanks for taking the time to read my review!!!

Barry