The Children’s Shelf

Help now

Some things need more than a book.

If someone is in danger right now

Call 999. If a child is hurt, or in danger, or you think they might not be safe tonight, that is the number. You do not need to be certain before you call.

These people answer the phone and they are good at this.

Every one of them is free, and none of them will be shocked by what you say.

If you are a child or a young person

You can ring about anything. Nothing is too big and nothing is too small, and you do not have to give your name.

Childline 0800 1111 Free, any time of the day or night, and it does not show on the phone bill. You can also chat online at childline.org.uk.
Shout Text SHOUT to 85258 If you would rather type than talk. Free and any time.
Papyrus HOPELINE247 0800 068 4141 · text 88247 For anyone under 35 having thoughts of suicide, and for anyone worried about someone who is. Open every hour of every day.

If you are the grown-up

Whether it is about your own child, a child you know, or you.

NSPCC helpline 0808 800 5000 If you are worried about a child, including if you are not sure whether you should be. You can stay anonymous.
YoungMinds Parents Helpline 0808 802 5544 For a parent worried about a child's mental health. Weekdays.
Samaritans 116 123 For you, at any hour, about anything at all. They listen and they do not tell you what to do.

Outside the UK

In the United States, call or text 988 for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, or ring Childhelp on 1‑800‑422‑4453 about a child's safety. Elsewhere, findahelpline.com lists the number for your country.

Your doctor and your child's school are also real options, and often the first step rather than the last one. A teacher who knows a child is struggling can change a great deal.

This page is the one thing on this site that is not about books. The rest of it will still be here afterwards.

Chosen by Georgia Clare, author, bibliotherapist and mother of two, for Book Quote Therapy.