26
Aug
2014
By Calvin at 10:25 GMT, 11 years ago
I picked up this important news item from South Yorkshire Police’s website today concerning the launch of NSPCC’s new helpline service for anyone worried about a young person involved in, or at risk from, gangs.
The NSPCC has launched the service to support parents as reports show that one in six 13 to 15-year-olds know someone in a street gang.
The charity is also responding to concerns from across the sector that too many children are being left to ruin their lives in gangs and need adults to intervene and help them.
The new initiative has been made possible through funding and support from the Home Office.
Specialist NSPCC helpline practitioners are able to help identify whether the behaviour the caller is concerned about indicates that a young person is involved in a gang.
John Cameron, NSPCC Head of Child Protection Operations said: “Young people involved in gangs are frequently abused, exploited and put in dangerous situations.
“We know from listening to children that they are often terrified of what they are doing and want to leave gangs and we believe adults have an incredibly important role to play in helping them to break free.
“Parents, carers and other adults often struggle to know where to turn when faced with a young person who they think might be involved in a gang. This is exactly why we are extending our 24/7, anonymous helpline - so we can offer advice, support and information on what action they can take.
“Through our new helpline service and by working together with other agencies we can help stop young people’s lives from being ruined by gangs.”
Detective Chief Inspector Zaf Ali said: “We strongly support the work of the NSPCC and are pleased to work with families to support and prevent young people from being involved in gangs.”
Anyone with concerns can contact our 24 hour helpline anonymously on 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.
NSPCC Gangs helpline service: http://www.nspcc.org.uk/news-and-views/latest-news/2014/gangs-young-people-helpline/gangs-young-person-helpline_wda103724.html
Source: South Yorkshire Police http://www.southyorkshire.police.uk/news-syp/south-yorkshire-police-supports-launch-nspcc-gangs-helpline
