Childline: Bill needs to pass to support families during a child's critical early years

Childline is here for young people, to support them with whatever they are going through. But babies, the most vulnerable members of society, need support from the adults around them, which is where our colleagues in the NSPCC Helpline can help. Free and confidential, last year the Helpline referred almost 3,700 children aged two and under to local safeguarding agencies, with almost half related to concerns about a child experiencing or at risk of neglect. One neighbour told the Helpline: "I'm worried about the two-year-old next door. I hardly ever see her, but I do hear her screaming endlessly and no one consoles her. 'I know crying is normal - it's the parents' other behaviour that gives me further concern. They are shouting at each other at all hours, shouting at the young girl, slamming doors, well past midnight. I don't know if there is physical abuse going on as well, but I think there could be.' The NSPCC is here to help children, babies and families across the country. Sometimes that means speaking directly to them, and sometimes that involves influencing the country's decisionmakers on their behalf. That's why we urged MPs on both sides of Parliament to consider and vote for the Infants, Parents and Carers private members' Bill. The Bill aims to make support during pregnancy and the first two years of a child's life a legal requirement across England. It seeks to make sure professionals assess the needs of babies, parents and carers, make sure they have the right information and support, and ensure all babies receive the support they need in their first 1,001 from services such as health visiting, family hubs and perinatal mental health support. The first two years of a child's life play an enormous part in shaping their lifelong development and wellbeing, but for too many families their postcode can dictate the help they receive. We want to ensure every baby and infant, regardless of where they live, gets a safe and nurturing start in life. We hope the Bill passes and helps families across England during those critical early years, but the NSPCC is here to help parents, families, babies and children whenever they need support. And if you have concerns about the safety or wellbeing of a child, the NSPCC Helpline can help ensure they get the support they need.