Asian pop star Raghav is backing the NSPCC’s 'someone to turn to' campaign this autumn. The campaign encourages Asian youngsters to call the free NSPCC Asian Helpline if they have any worries or concerns, and not to suffer in silence.NSPCC research has found that children and young people who suffer from abuse, bullying and violence may bottle things up and be reluctant to share their problems. The NSPCC believes that the number of Asian children that could benefit from calling the Helpline is much higher.

Though the NSPCC Asian Helpline receives hundreds of calls a month, only ten per cent come from children.

Raghav, who has a huge following among British Asian youth, said: “Sadly child abuse happens in every community. I often get letters from young fans telling me about their problems because they don’t feel they have anyone else to turn to. I want to help the NSPCC get the message out to Asian youngsters that it is important to talk to a trusted adult or to call the NSPCC Asian Helpline on 0800 096 7719 if someone is hurting or upsetting you.”

“I’ve visited the Asian Helpline and met the people at the other end of the phone. They come from our community, they understand our culture and they are trained to help. We just need to make sure more children feel able to make that call if they ever need to.”

The NSPCC Asian Helpline has been operating for three years and is the only one of its kind in the UK. The Helpline counsellors are from the Asian community and can give advice in Hindi, Urdu, Punjabi, Gujarati and Bengali/Sylheti as well as English. The Helpline provides advice and support to both adults and children regarding emotional, physical and sexual child abuse and neglect. It also handles other issues including forced marriage, racial harassment, domestic violence and depression.

Someone to turn to is the latest phase of the NSPCC’s ongoing FULL STOP Campaign to end cruelty to children. As part of the campaign the public is being urged to show their support by donating, fundraising or campaigning on the NSPCC’s behalf.

The NSPCC Asian Child Protection Helpline is open 11am to 7pm, Monday to Friday. The numbers are:

Bengali-speaking adviser: 0800 096 7714
Gujarati-speaking adviser: 0800 096 7715
Hindi-speaking adviser: 0800 096 7716
Punjabi-speaking adviser: 0800 096 7717
Urdu-speaking adviser: 0800 096 7718
English-speaking Asian adviser: 0800 096 7719

The NSPCC Asian Child Protection Helpline can also be contacted via email: helpline.asian@nspcc.org.uk. Information about the someone to turn to campaign is available at www.nspcc.org.uk.

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