NSPCC Helpline: free, confidential help for adults worried about a child

REVIEWED BY: Sean McNamara on 2026-08-29

What the NSPCC Helpline is

The NSPCC Helpline is a free, national service run by the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) for any adult with a concern about a child. Whether you are a parent, grandparent, neighbour, teacher or family friend, you can call for advice, reassurance or to report a concern — you do not need to be certain anything is wrong.

When to contact it

You're worried about a child's safety or welfare — neglect, physical, emotional or sexual abuse, or something you can't quite put your finger on.
You need advice on your own situation — including parents navigating contact disputes, co-parenting difficulties or behaviour that concerns you.
You want to report a concern anonymously — the helpline will pass serious concerns to statutory services (police or children's services) and can take your call without giving your name.
You need signposting — to local services, domestic abuse support, or social care.

Contact details

Freephone: 0808 800 5000 — free from landlines and mobiles, won't show on bills
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 10:00–16:00 (except bank holidays)
Email: help@nspcc.org.uk
Text: 88858 (messages charged at your standard rate)
Online reporting: available via the NSPCC website
Language: interpretation available; calls can be made by or about any adult or child

What happens when you call

1. A trained child protection officer listens and talks through your concern. 2. You get practical advice, and together you decide on the next step — it stays confidential unless a child is at risk of serious harm. 3. If needed, the helpline can contact children's services or the police on your behalf, and can keep your details anonymous where possible.

How this relates to family court proceedings

If you are involved in a child arrangements or care case, concerns raised with the NSPCC Helpline may be passed to your local authority, whose records can be relevant to safeguarding checks (for example, those run by Cafcass). Be honest, stay child-focused, and keep records of any advice you receive.

Official links

NSPCC Helpline: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/
Main site: https://www.nspcc.org.uk
Report online: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/what-you-can-do/report-abuse/report/

This page is general information, not legal advice. YourFamilyCase.co.uk is an independent information directory and is not affiliated with the NSPCC, Cafcass, HMCTS or gov.uk.

Content verified against the official HMCTS court directory, gov.uk forms and fees pages, and the professional body registers (SRA, FMC, Bar Council). Last reviewed September 2026.