Our charity recently released a new Index into the financial wellbeing of older Scots. Across the country, the results were stark, and closer to home they reveal the tough choices many in later life in the Lothian region are being forced to make.
Our data has shown that, shockingly, in the region, 22% of older people have skipped meals in the last year. Just 20% say that the State Pension is enough to cover basic living expenses.
The Scottish Government recently put forward its Programme for Government, and again, despite rising levels of pensioner poverty, there was no proposed plan to tackle this.
At Independent Age, we know urgent action is needed. A pensioner poverty strategy should include a Pension Credit awareness campaign, which is a vital source of support for older people on a low income that a significant number in the region – 18% – do not even know about.
The results of our Index show the unacceptable financial difficulties many older people in the Lothian are experiencing. This must change. Both the UK and Scottish Government must act.
Debbie Horne
Scotland Policy and Public Affairs Manager at Independent Age
Independent Age is a national charity supporting older people facing financial hardship. You can access advice on money, housing, health and care at independentage.org or through a free helpline on 0800 319 6789.
61% of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under polled think they had safer childhoods compared to their own children, while 52% felt theirs was easier and 51% believed they had better experiences
This comes at the same time as new data demonstrates that 54% of parents in Scotland want their children to play more in person.
However, top barriers identified to in person play include concerns for children’s safety, the accessibility of going online, the weather, and the cost-of-living crisis.
The NSPCC calls on the public to play their part for children by getting involved in Childhood Day on the 6th of June.
The majority of parents and carers of children in Scotland aged 18 and under believe their own childhood was safer (61%), easier (52%) and full of better experiences (51%) than their own children’s.
A YouGov survey of 4,017 parents and carers – including 339 in Scotland – commissioned by the NSPCC to analyse children’s playing habits also found that 54% of participants want their children to play more in person.
Nearly a third of parents in Scotland (31%) believe the biggest barrier to their child playing more in person is concerns over their safety. Other barriers identified include:
The accessibility of going online (26%)
The cost-of-living crisis, such as preventing families from being able to afford clubs (20%)
Online games being more engaging (23%)
Lack of friends to play with (19%)
Weather (26%)
Overall, findings across the UK showed that 38% of parents believe their child plays online every day or multiple times a day. Once children reach their teens, this increases, with 53% of parents of 12–16-year-olds saying their children within that age group play online at least once a day.
In person play also decreases as a child ages. While 40% of total participants agreed that their children played in person once a day or more, for parents of 12–16-year-olds this decreases to just 27%, and 16% for those with 17–18-year-olds.
As the NSPCC prepares for its fourth annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 6th) it has issued calls for families to come together and celebrate the joys of childhood, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.
People can get involved by donating to the NSPCC, including in Lidl stores – either at cash donation tins or in small amounts via card payment at the till, thanks to digital micro-donation system Pennies. They can also volunteer at a Childhood Day collection point or take on the NSPCC’s Childhood Day Mile.
All the funds raised will go towards helping the NSPCC deliver vital services, like Childline which supports children at risk.
Chris Sherwood, CEO of the NSPCC said: “It is human nature to want something better for your children, but our latest research suggests that parents today believe we are trending in the wrong direction in terms of childhood experiences.
“Lack of in-person play for children is a particular concern for parents, something we all have a responsibility to try and address. Children and young people playing more with their friends and family, both inside and outside, can only be a good thing for their physical and mental health and general sense of wellbeing.
“The NSPCC’s Childhood Day is all about bringing families, friends and communities together to celebrate childhood and give everyone a really fun and positive in-person experience, while at the same time seeking to raise vital funds for the charity.”
Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a fourth year as retail sponsor. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 8 years, raising over £10 million for the charity in this time.
Lidl GB will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding its own events and activities with colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.
Blind and partially sighted residents in Edinburgh will be able to try out assistive technology at an upcoming local event with a leading sight loss charity.
RNIB Scotland will be speaking to visitors and offering support at a ‘Low Vision Solutions Open Day’ on Wednesday 11 June, 10am – 2pm at RNIB’s Hillside office on Hillside Crescent in Edinburgh.
The event will be an opportunity for blind and partially sighted people, and their friends and family, to meet with RNIB to receive advice and support.
A range of trusted experts on-hand to talk through live demonstrations on a 1-1 basis and also a chance to meet local support services to find out information about technology products and services that are available.
There are multiple barriers to the digital world for people living with sight loss that include cost, confidence, access to training opportunities, as well as accessibility and safety concerns.
Derek Rutherford, RNIB’s Product Coordinator, said: “We are delighted to be part of the Low Vision Solutions event taking place this week.
“One of RNIB’s priorities is to equip blind and partially sighted people to thrive and live independently, and accessible technology plays a vital role in this.”
NHS Lothian, and Asthma + Lung UK have praised the benefits of the LEZ, following a year of enforcement.
Experts at the NHS and a leading charity have highlighted the ongoing impact of the LEZ enforcement on air quality and health. In addition, the new rules have incentivised active travel and greater use of public transport.
A LEZ was introduced in Edinburgh on 31 May 2022, along with LEZs in Glasgow, Aberdeen, and Dundee, restricting the most polluting vehicles and benefiting everyone’s health. Edinburgh began enforcement alongside Aberdeen on June 1, 2024. Dundee began enforcement on May 30, 2024, and Glasgow on June 1, 2023.
With Clean Air Day (19 June) just a few weeks away too this one-year anniversary is a timely reminder of the importance of the LEZ here in Edinburgh and beyond.
In recent years air quality in Edinburgh has improved, with our monitoring data showing reduced pollution levels, and people getting ready for the LEZ may have contributed to this.
Over the last year, the average amount of Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) issued for non-compliant vehicles entering the zone has been decreasing steadily.
Between June 2024 and January 2025 alone the total number decreased by 56%. There is also evidence of lower numbers of second contraventions. The vast majority of vehicles entering the LEZ are compliant, over 95%. Around 3% of vehicles entering the LEZ are exempted classed.
The Institute of Occupational Medicine (IOM) has also published a study indicating that active travel and public transport use increased within the LEZ during the first six months after LEZ enforcement.
The first annual report on LEZ operation is expected to be presented to the Transport and Environment Committee later this year, including air quality trends and how the scheme contributes to our carbon reduction targets, as well as operational matters such as the number of PCNs issued, costs of maintaining and operating the scheme, gross and net revenue and other key issues.
The Council is working with the Scottish Environmental Protection Agency (SEPA) on data collection and analysis of the LEZ and will present a report in the Scottish Parliament that will help inform the national picture of LEZ impact.
Transport and Environment Convener, Councillor Stephen Jenkinson: “I’m proud that alongside Aberdeen, Dundee, and Glasgow we took the bold step of implementing and enforcing a LEZ. We’re sending a clear message that our major cities are united in pursuing a better future for all. Fundamentally, the LEZs are about making our cities healthier for everyone.
“As Scotland’s capital city, we have a duty to lead on the response to the climate and nature emergencies which will define our country for generations to come. Multiple studies show that even low levels of pollution can have an impact on our health.
“Road traffic is one of the main sources of harmful emissions that are damaging people’s health and contributing to climate change, so we have a real responsibility to tackle this.
“The average decrease in PCNs here in Edinburgh show that people are getting used to the LEZ and modifying their habits accordingly. It’s also encouraging to see studies showing a positive shift towards greater use of active travel and public transport.
I look forward to seeing the annual report when it is considered by Committee.
“The LEZ is one important tool to help us achieve our ambitious climate goals, including net zero emissions by 2030.”
Flora Ogilvie, Consultant in Public Health, NHS Lothian said: “It’s great to know that the LEZ enforcement has been in place for a year, helping to improve air quality in the city and protect the health of our most vulnerable residents.
“Improving air quality and reducing traffic levels are also an important way of encouraging more people to travel by walking, wheeling, cycling and public transport.
“Travelling sustainably can help improve individual physical activity levels and mental wellbeing, as well as supporting better environmental health for the whole population and planet.”
Joseph Carter, Head of Asthma + Lung UK Scotland said: “We are pleased that Edinburgh along with Dundee and Aberdeen made the bold move a year ago to ban the most polluting cars from their city and it is a step in the right direction to help improve the air that we all breathe.
“With air pollution cutting short thousands of lives a year, we want to see our cities become far healthier places, where people can walk and cycle and not be forced to breathe in dirty air.
“With 1 in 5 people in Scotland developing a lung condition like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in their lifetime, for them, air pollution can trigger life-threatening asthma attacks and flare-ups.
“Children are more susceptible to air pollution as their lungs are still growing, and they also breathe faster than adults. As they grow, toxic air can stunt the growth of their lungs, making them less resilient into adulthood and placing them at greater risk of lung disease in the future.”
77% of all PCNs in the last year were served to light passenger vehicles (private cars) and 21% to light goods vehicles (panel vans) with the remaining 2% being divided among the other classes of vehicle. 62.4% of PCNs are paid within 14 days at the discounted rate.
Income from the LEZ will be used in the first instance to pay for the operation and maintenance of the scheme. Any surplus income will be contributed towards Council projects which contribute towards the wider goals of the LEZ, particularly improving air quality and climate change emission reduction.
Air pollution is associated with between 29,000 and 43,000 deaths a year in the UK. The World Health Organization and the UK Government both recognise that air pollution is the largest environmental threat to our health.
Another key development is that the Low Emission Zone Support Fund has now resumed and is open to new applications. This is funded by Transport Scotland and administered by the Energy Saving Trust.
Michelle, a mother of three from Edinburgh has shared the impact Scottish Child Payment is having in her daughter’s life
“One of my daughters has autism and ADHD, and Scottish Child Payment allows me to do activities that calm her down and make her happy and that makes a massive difference.”
Figures released yesterday reveal that Michelle’s daughter is just one of 326,255 children who are actively benefiting from Scottish Child Payment.
Scottish Child Payment is unique to Scotland and provides financial support for families, helping with the costs of caring for a child. It is a weekly payment, currently worth £27.15, for every eligible child that a parent or carer looks after who’s under 16 years of age.
Michelle said: “Scottish Child Payment is something that helps you and helps your children when you’re in a difficult financial situation.
“I think there’s sometimes a stigma around applying for it, especially as a single mother, but I highly recommend that those who have yet to apply for it do so.”
Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville said: “Eradicating child poverty is the Scottish Government’s top priority and a national mission.
“Today’s figure show that the Scottish Government is supporting 233,040 individual clients and 326,255 children throughout Scotland, with over 7.5 million paid out in Scottish Child Payment.
“These payments are actively improving the lives of hundreds of thousands of children in Scotland – helping their families to access essentials and experiences they might otherwise miss out on because they live on a low income.
“In the coming year it is forecast we’ll invest a further £471 million, ensuring that this support continues to reach even more families and children who need it.”
We would urge those who are thinking of applying for financial support, to check their eligibility and start their application today.”
Celebrities support Trussell as it calls on the UK government to take urgent action to end hunger now
ANTI-poverty charity Trussell reports that 2.9 million emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship across the UK between April 2024 and March 2025, with more than a million of these provided for children. This is equivalent to one parcel every 11 seconds and a 51% increase compared to five years ago.
Worryingly, the annual figures also show significant numbers of parents struggling to afford the essentials. Since 2019/20 there has been a 46% rise in emergency food parcels provided to families with children, and a 32% rise in parcels to support children under the age of five.
High-profile celebrities from the world of stage and screen, including actors Dame Julie Walters, Lesley Manville, and Charlotte Ritchie alongside comedians Rosie Jones, Nish Kumar and, James Acaster are highlighting these alarming levels of hardship and calling for urgent reform to ensure nobody is experiencing hunger.
They are joined by a host of other celebrities, including Trussell ambassador, AJ Odudu, Hairy Biker, Si King, musicians, James Bay and Tom Grennan, Reverend Canon Kate Bottley, and Dr Alex George.
“Emergency food distribution is being normalised in the UK,” said Dame Julie Walters. “These stats highlight the need for us to come together and play our part in saying this isn’t right and things need to change if we’re to see a future where no one needs a food bank to survive.”
Actor Lesley Manville, who recently won an Olivier Award, said: “I’m shocked at the extremely high levels of emergency food parcels being distributed by food banks, especially the sharp rise in children under five needing support.
“This has to be a wake-up call for the UK government to prioritise hunger and hardship.”
Hairy Biker Si King also added his voice, saying: “It is heartbreaking to see a generation of children growing up thinking that it is normal to see a food bank in every town.
“We all have a moral responsibility to tackle the root causes of poverty to ensure no one has to turn to a food bank to get by.”
And singer-songwriter Tom Grennan said: “One emergency food parcel distributed in the UK is too many but nearly 2.9 million is scandalous.
“Food banks shouldn’t have to exist. In a just and compassionate society, everyone should have enough money to afford the essentials. Trussell won’t stop until this becomes a reality.”
Comedian James Acaster said: “Food banks do an incredible job in helping people facing hunger in the UK. The reality is that their support has seen a rise of more than 50% rise over the last five years with the biggest increase among families with children under four.
” It’s incredibly sad and I stand with Trussell in calling for government action to tackle poverty in our country.”
With MPs soon to vote on the UK government’s proposals to cut essential support for sick and disabled people, Trussell is warning that these changes could force even more people to turn to food banks to get by.
Disabled people are already overrepresented at food banks, with three in four ofpeople referred to a food bank in the Trussell community saying they or a member of their household are disabled, placing them at the highest risk of hunger and hardship.
Comedian Rosie Jones said: “These stats are a stark reminder to the UK government that slashing the income of someone living with a disability who is already struggling to cover life’s essentials is cruel and counterproductive.
“It will only result in more people living with a disability needing to use a food bank.
“We mustn’t forget that a lack of infrastructure support significantly correlates with an increased need for disability benefits. Social security should be there for everyone who needs it, built on compassion and justice.”
The Reverend Canon Kate Bottley said: “It’s desperately sad to know so many parents are left with no choice but to turn to a food bank to get by.
“We must strive for solutions to poverty in the UK if we’re to make food banks a thing of the past.”
Musician James Bay said: “These stats highlight the extraordinary work of food banks to support families facing hardship, but no one should have to turn to a food bank to feed their children.
“We can all use our voice and say this isn’t right and call for the UK government to step up if they’re serious about tackling poverty.”
Comedian Nish Kumar said: “Almost 2.9million emergency food parcels were distributed across the UK last year.
“Food banks were created to provide short-term support, but they’ve become a sticking plaster for a long-term problem: our broken social security system, which isn’t providing enough money to cover the cost of the essentials. The UK government must act or risk seeing more people turn to food banks on their watch.”
Actor Charlotte Ritchie added: “From my work with Trussell, I’ve seen firsthand the hope, dignity and relief food banks provide to people facing hardship.
“But they shouldn’t be needed in the first place. A food parcel distributed every 11 seconds to someone facing hardship in the UK highlights the need for government action to tackle food bank need, starting with a re-think on proposed cuts to disability benefits.”
TV star Dr Alex George said: “We are seeing an unacceptable increase in the number of children needing support from a food bank – a rise of more than 50% in children under five in the last five years.
“Trussell’s work is incredible, but no family should have to turn to a food bank to survive.”
TV host and Trussell Ambassador AJ Odudu added: “I’m proud to be a Trussell Ambassador, championing a future where no one in the UK faces hunger or hardship.
“Right now, someone needs an emergency food parcel every 11 seconds, a stark reminder of the growing challenge and the desperate need for collective action. It’s never been more vital that we all play our part.”
Number of emergency food parcels distributed by food banks in the Trussell community: 1 April – 31 March 2019/20, 2023/24, and 2024/25:
Nation and Region
FY 2019/20
FY 2023/24
FY 2024/25
North East
98,520
150,599
129,011
North West
254,220
356,164
332,253
Yorkshire and The Humber
108,587
231,754
211,604
East of England
190,144
350,040
332,540
East Midlands
101,789
167,035
140,959
West Midlands
169,141
269,759
243,987
London
204,355
454,998
455,571
South East
199,519
347,440
311,991
South West
163,244
255,404
238,937
England
1,489,519
2,583,193
2,396,853
Scotland
238,583
264,778
239,503
Wales
136,104
187,983
171,673
Northern Ireland
45,139
90,525
77,057
United Kingdom
1,909,345
3,126,479
2,885,086
Emma Revie, chief executive of Trussell, said: “Thousands of families with children, single households, disabled people, working people and older people from across the UK needed to access food banks for emergency food in the past year.
“A whole generation has now grown up in a country where sustained high levels of food bank need feel like the norm.
“This should be a massive wake-up call to government and a stark reminder of their responsibilities to the people of this country.
“This UK government will fail to deliver on its promise to improve living standards for us all unless it rows back on its harmful policy choices on disability benefits and housing support and shows greater ambition on areas like the upcoming child poverty strategy and future of local crisis support. Without action, they risk leaving a legacy of rising food bank need and child poverty.
“It is clear that the public’s cost of living fears are far from over, and these numbers show why. If the UK government truly wants to improve public services, boost the economy and make the UK a better place to live, then addressing hunger and hardship must be a priority.”
Food banks need everyone to play their part to move us towards ending the need for emergency food in the UK. The public can help make sure food banks can continue to provide warm, compassionate, practical support and advice in the year ahead by donating food or funds to Trussell or your local food bank to help end hunger in the UK.
You can find out how many emergency food parcels were provided to people facing hardship in your local area on the Trussell website: campaign.trussell.org.uk/parcels-by-postcode
The budget for a programme that uses technology in housing to help older people remain independent for longer will more than double this year from £8.2 million to £20.9 million.
This means more housing association tenants will benefit from the Registered Social Landlord Adaptations Programme, a preventative model that also reduces hospital admissions and long-term care costs.
On her visit to Bield Housing Association’s Tech Hub in Linlithgow, the Social Justice Secretary Shirley-Anne Somerville saw a variety of adaptations that are making a difference to the lives of older people and saving public money.
Ms Somerville said: “Scotland faces significant challenges as our population ages and it is preventative, people-focused approaches like this that will help us deliver better outcomes for older people while making the best use of public resources.
“That is why we announced in our Programme for Government that we would more than double the budget this year for the Registered Social Landlord’s Adaptations Programme from £8.25 million to £20.9 million to allow housing associations to plan and deliver more adaptations for their tenants.
“This financial year we are also investing £768 million in affordable housing, the majority of which will be for social rent. This reflects our long-standing commitment to ensure everyone in Scotland has a safe and affordable home to live in.”
Chief Executive of Bield Debbie Collins said: “Investing in the right housing and technology supports older people to manage their health, stay connected, and live independently – reducing reliance on formal care and helping to avoid preventable hospital stays.
“We believe housing must be seen as part of the health and care infrastructure and that continued investment in digital solutions and accessible homes not only improve people’s lives but delivers public value by saving money in the long-term.”
Over £1 billion invested to support and improve attainment
Headteachers say the attainment of pupils experiencing poverty has improved, thanks to over £1 billion of direct investment from the Scottish Government.
The Scottish Government’s flagship policy has provided headteachers with direct additional funding to help support children and young people.
Schools have used the extra funding in a variety of different ways. The latest report looking at the impact of Pupil Equity Funding (PEF) found that it has helped schools employ up to 3,000 additional staff to support children and young people’s attainment and wellbeing.
This has included extra staff employed to support families, such as income maximisation officers, as well as support for pupil wellbeing from the third sector. The report also highlights how the targeted investment has supported better attendance, attainment, and relationships between schools, families and pupils.
Education Secretary Jenny Gilruth visited St Ignatius Primary School in Wishaw to hear directly about how the school is using Pupil Equity Funding.
Ms Gilruth said: “Pupil Equity Funding has played a crucial role in our mission to ensure that children and young people impacted by poverty are given the opportunity to succeed.
“Since launching in 2017, we have invested over £1 billion in the programme, with targeted support now reaching a majority of schools across Scotland.
“Each school has its own unique challenges when it comes to closing the poverty-related attainment gap, which is why we have put our trust in headteachers to develop solutions which meet the needs of their own pupils.
“I have been very impressed by the creativity shown by teachers – from supporting imagination in writing, to outdoor educational trips to improve confidence, wellbeing and relationships.
“The latest survey report indicates the hugely positive impact that this direct investment is making – with Scotland recording its lowest poverty-related attainment gap on record for literacy in primary schools.
“Pupil Equity Funding is also ensuring that more children and young people impacted by poverty are entering work, training or further study after leaving school.
“We are also taking further steps to tackle child poverty through education, including through funding early learning and childcare, free school meals and the delivery of free breakfast clubs.”
New Childline data shows the service delivered 2,895 counselling sessions to young people struggling with anger issues, a 6 per cent increase from the previous year
This Mental Health Awareness Week, the NSPCC is encouraging children to process their anger in a healthy way and contact Childline if they need to talk
Thousands of children and young people have received support from Childline for anger issues over the past year.
New data shows that the NSPCC-service delivered close to 3,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK about the issue, online and over the phone, which is a 6 per cent increase on the previous 12 months.
The rise in contacts on the topic has made anger issues a top ten mental health concern for all genders contacting the service. This data gives insight into a generation increasingly struggling to manage and regulate their emotions in the face of a range of pressures at home, school, online and in the community.
This Mental Health Awareness Week (May 12 to 18), Childline is offering advice in dealing with these emotions in a healthy way.
One 13-year-old girl from Scotland told Childline: “I get so mad and annoyed about little things. It takes all my energy to control and hide it. I try shutting myself in my room when I feel it happening, but then mum thinks it’s her fault. Is there anything else I can try?”
Counselling sessions delivered by Childline reveal several recurring themes when children are discussing anger.
Some are aggressively criticising themselves, while some often experience frustration with parents and peers following disagreements. Others are struggling to regulate their emotions during challenging situations.
One boy from Scotland, aged 15, confided to Childline: “Games usually help me relax but lately I’m getting really frustrated with them. It makes me feel so stupid, being this angry about a game or wound up over laggy internet.”
Adeniyi Alade, Childline service head, based in the Aberdeen Childline centre, said: “At Childline, we hear from children every day about the emotional challenges and difficult situations they are facing. Sometimes they tell us they feel stressed and angry, and they need our support to help process their feelings in a constructive way.
“Young people face so many different pressures in today’s world – from family disagreements at home, to arguments with friends or classmates at school and online. As a result, they can struggle to manage and deal with difficult emotions.
“This Mental Health Awareness Week, we are here to let children know there are so many healthy ways to express their feelings and our counsellors are here to provide a safe and confidential space to help them to learn vital skills for their mental wellbeing.”
As well as encouraging children to contact Childline, the service has been working with children’s mental health charity, Place2Be, to release advice to both young people and parents on how to manage anger issues and look after their mental wellbeing.
Tips for Children on Looking After Their Mental Health:
1. Talk to someone you trust: Whether it’s a parent, teacher, friend or Childline (0800 1111), sharing how you feel can help.
2. Find healthy outlets for emotions: Try physical activities, creative expression, journaling, or relaxation techniques.
3. Take care of your body: Regular sleep, healthy food, and exercise all support good mental health.
4. Practice mindfulness: Take time each day to focus on your breathing and notice how you’re feeling.
5. Create a feel-good toolkit: Identify activities, people, and places that help you feel calm and happy when you’re struggling.
Tips for Parents on Supporting Children’s Mental Health:
1. Create regular check-in times: Establish consistent opportunities for conversations about feelings, perhaps during dinner, car rides, or before bedtime.
2. Use open-ended questions: Ask “How are you feeling today?” rather than questions that can be answered with just “yes” or “no.”
3. Model healthy emotional expression: Show children how you manage your own emotions in a constructive way.
4. Look for changes in behaviour: Notice shifts in sleeping patterns, appetite, social withdrawal, or increased irritability which may signal emotional struggles.
5. Normalise seeking help: Talk positively about therapy, counselling, and support services.
Dr Rebecca Kirkbride, Clinical Director at Place2Be, said:“At Place2Be, we know that learning to express and process emotions healthily during childhood builds resilience and establishes positive coping mechanisms that serve young people throughout their lives.
“The rise in children seeking support for issues related to anger, as highlighted by Childline’s data, demonstrates the importance of early intervention and teaching children healthy ways to process emotions.
“By creating safe spaces where young people feel heard and validated, we can help them develop the emotional vocabulary and self-regulation skills needed to navigate complex feelings, without expressing feelings through angry or aggressive behaviour – which may have implications for themselves or others around them.”
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk.
Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.
