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NSPCC urges people to remain vigilant as coronavirus crisis continues

The NSPCC has urged people to remain vigilant and keep reporting child welfare concerns as the coronavirus crisis continues
The NSPCC has urged people to remain vigilant and keep reporting child welfare concerns as the coronavirus crisis continues The NSPCC has urged people to remain vigilant and keep reporting child welfare concerns as the coronavirus crisis continues

A LEADING children's charity has urged people to remain vigilant and keep reporting child welfare concerns as the coronavirus crisis continues.

The NSPCC said members of the public should "be alert to possible signs of neglect and abuse and to call the helpline if they are concerned" during the lockdown.

Staff at the NSPCC helpline, which is based primarily in Belfast, have been granted key worker status by the Northern Ireland Executive to allow the essential service to continue.

Joanne McDonnell from the charity said: "Now more than ever we need the public to be alert to signs of abuse in your area.

"We are appealing to communities to act when they are worried about a child or family.

"Because the vast majority of people are at home now, we urge people to listen and be aware as to what is going on around them.

"If you hear an unusual amount of shouting at children through walls or in gardens, or see any posts on social media which sparks your concern about a child’s welfare then please get in touch with us.

"We know that it is a difficult time for everyone, but for thousands of children experiencing abuse and neglect, now more than ever, home isn’t a safe place and being asked to stay there could feel very frightening."

The NSPCC helpline can be contacted on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk