Johnson Matthey has been proud to support the NSPCC over the last two years as its charity of the year with financial support totalling £100,000. The NSPCC‘s purpose is to end cruelty to children. Its vision is a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential.

How the funds have helped

NSPCC ceased to be JM’s Charity of the Year at the end of March 2003, but will remain on Johnson Matthey’s annual donations programme. Since the launch of the NSPCC’s Full Stop Campaign and Appeal in 1999 it has successfully raised awareness of the nature and extent of child abuse in the UK. Thanks to this, income for the charity has increased over the last three years. Now, more money than ever can be spent on providing crucial services for children, young people and families who need help and support.

The second phase of the campaign, which is expected to run until 2005, aims to build on this awareness of child abuse by encouraging individuals to make the next step and take responsibility and action when they think that a child might be at risk of abuse or neglect. Someone to turn to is that second phase - highlighting the need for every child to have someone to whom they can turn for help.

Someone to turn to

A child is more likely to be murdered in the home than on the street.

Even though public awareness of child abuse is higher than it has ever been, research shows that in 2001 one in three people would not take action if they thought a child was at risk, simply because they wouldn’t know what to do. On the back of this, the NSPCC ran a national public education campaign in March 2002 describing ways in which the public could help. Whilst Johnson Matthey’s focus for fund raising changed after March, with the appointment of a new charity of the year, Johnson Matthey staff will still contribute to the success of the campaign by being aware of the advice given and action needed if necessary.

If you have serious concerns about a child, contact social services, the police or the free 24-hour NSPCC Child Protection Helpline for advice – you can call anonymously.