NEW figures show a record number of people have contacted the NSPCC Helpline with concerns about the wellbeing of children whose parent is drinking to excess or taking drugs.
In the south east alone, 1,126 calls and emails received by our Helpline from members of the public were so serious they had to be passed onto local authorities such as police and social services.
Last year, the NSPCC received 10,207 calls and emails from across the UK — on average almost 200 a week — about parental substance misuse, which is a 30 per cent increase on 2015/16.
The NSPCC is calling on people in Hampshire to report any child safety issues that maybe worrying them to the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or via help@nspcc.org.uk Substance misuse can affect a parent’s ability to provide a safe and supportive environment for their children potentially placing them at increased risk of neglect, physical and emotional abuse.
We believe that every child should be able to grow up in a home where they feel safe and supported. The sad fact is that many young people are being deprived of this simple right.
John Cameron, NSPCC head of helplines
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