Jenny Harris, a specialist paediatric dentist who has done so much to raise awareness of child protection issues among the dental profession was at the launch.
The aim of the ‘It’s Time’ campaign is to help abused or neglected young people access the support they need to recover from the trauma they have experienced. Minister of State for Community and Social Care, Alistair Burt MP, launched the campaign at the Houses of Parliament this month (February 10, 2016).
He introduced an NSPCC young ambassador who told guests at the launch why the campaign was so important. His call for “constant support, not just crisis support” silenced his audience as he told of young people who resorted to self harm or threats of suicide before they could get help.
Jenny said afterwards: “At the launch I met more NSPCC young ambassadors with direct experience of these issues. They told us that children and young people who have been victims of abuse or neglect currently face long waiting lists for counselling or mental health services.
“This is the most compelling campaign I remember,” she said. “It seems we have come so far – to get better at recognising signs of abuse and neglect and refer children for help - yet it is scandalous to hear that those same children can’t get the support they then need to rebuild their lives.
“I want the very best outcome for any of my patients who are affected by this so that’s why I am happy to support the NSPCC’s ‘It’s Time’ campaign.”
To find out how to support the campaign, go to: