Local MP, David Rutley, hosted an event in Parliament, organised by the NSPCC, to highlight the need to help get more abused children the crucial support that they need.
During the event, which took place on Monday 10th October, attendees were able to hear more about the aims of the NSPCC’s ‘It’s Time’ campaign and meet with young people who shared their views on why the campaign matters to them.
More than 30,000 people have signed the NSPCC’s ‘It’s Time’ petition, urging the Department of Health and NHS England to count the number of children who have been abused and are in need of mental health support. Currently, the NSPCC is concerned about the difficulties of working out who needs help and how to commission services to help young people. This means that some children are left without any help at all.
Every year the equivalent of two children in every primary school class experience abuse. Research has found that up to 90 per cent of children who are abused at an early age will develop mental health problems by the time they are 18. The charity’s ‘It’s Time’ petition is aimed at counting the number of children who have been abused and are in need of support in a bid to help close the gap in mental health services.
Progress has already been made with over 16,000 NSPCC supporters contacting their MP to raise the profile of support for children who have been abused. In addition, nearly half of the Police and Crime Commissioners who were elected in May have pledged to use their victims fund to improve support for children and young people who have been abused.
Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “We are grateful for David’s support with this Parliamentary event. If we don't know exactly how many children are missing out, we can't do everything we can to help. So it's essential we find out. We know how life-changing the right support can be. It can make the difference between a life defined by abuse or a child reaching their potential. So we have handed to No. 10 Downing Street this petition calling on the Government to collect local data from health professionals, social workers and the police, on the number of children who need help. It’s time to stand up for children who have been abused. It’s time to give them a voice.”
Speaking after the event, David said: “I actively support the NSPCC’s work in and around Macclesfield. Improving mental health outcomes for young people is a real priority for me. It’s clear that abused children should have the best possible access to the mental health services that many of them will need to overcome the trauma of their abuse. I will continue to work with the NSPCC and other charities to help address these important issues in the months ahead.”