The UK’s leading children’s charity, NSPCC has marked 140 years this year with an exploration of its past, including its South London founder.
The NSPCC has worked to help keep children safe from abuse and neglect all over the UK, and its Records team have been digging out an archive full of historic documents that includes posters, photographs, leaflets, and artefacts.
Staff have been able to see how the charity has developed child protection practices over the years, including laws it has helped to pass.
The charity was founded in 1884 by Reverend Benjamin Waugh as the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (SPCC) on 8 July at London’s Mansion House. It was modelled on a similar initiative in Liverpool and the London body’s first chairman was veteran social reformer, Lord Shaftesbury. In 1889, it became the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children – NSPCC.
Born in Settle, West Yorkshire, Benjamin Waugh become a pastorate of the Independent Chapel at Maze Hill in Greenwich, South East London in 1866.
In this role, Waugh devoted himself to improving the living conditions of Greenwich’s inhabitants and he himself lived at Croom’s Hill, and at 53 Woodland Villas, (today Vanbrugh Park) in neighbouring Blackheath. In memory of his commitment to tackling child poverty and abuse, a blue plaque can be found at 26 Croom’s Hill, although this was placed at the wrong residence as Waugh actually lived in what is now number 62.
Waugh was extremely proactive in transforming child protection and became a figure head not only in London, but across the UK.
Nearly a century and a half later, the NSPCC continues to honour Waugh’s dedication to protect and keep children safe through campaigns, fundraising, and services such as Childline and Speak Out Stay Safe, which is delivered in most primary schools.
Hayley Garner, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager for London and South East, said: “The NSPCC has and continues to put children in the forefront of everything it does. Just like 140 years ago, it’s still vital that we protect and safeguard children from all forms of abuse and neglect.
“Everyone has a role to play in keeping children safe. From services such as Childline and the NSPCC Helpline to campaigns such as Listen up, Speak up and Talk PANTS, we encourage children and families to speak out about any concerns they have about child abuse. . Here at the NSPCC, we are here to support children and their families through difficult times and prevent abuse from taking place altogether.
“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all of the dedicated volunteers and supporters throughout the years who have helped us and continue to help us to be there for children and young people all over the UK. Without their support, we couldn’t continue to fight for every childhood.”
Adults can call the NSPCC Helpline if they are worried about a child on 0808 800 5000 or via [email protected]. Children and young people can contact Childline whatever their worry or concern on 0800 111 or via www.childline.org.uk
