People who can help
If this has raised something for you
The book is a novel, but the things in it happen every day. If any of it is close to home, these organisations can help. All of them are free to call.
If a child is in immediate danger, ring 999.
- NSPCC Helpline
0808 800 5000 · help@nspcc.org.uk
For any adult who is worried about a child.- Childline
0800 1111 · childline.org.uk
For children and young people under nineteen.- National Domestic Abuse Helpline
0808 2000 247 · nationaldahelpline.org.uk
Run by Refuge. Open twenty-four hours a day.- Family Rights Group
0808 801 0366 · frg.org.uk
Advice for parents and relatives in England when children’s services are involved with their family.- NAPAC
0808 801 0331 · napac.org.uk
For adults who were abused in childhood.- Cruse Bereavement Support
0808 808 1677 · cruse.org.uk
For anyone who is grieving.- Samaritans
116 123 · samaritans.org
Any time, day or night.
If you are a social worker and it is you who is struggling
You are allowed to be. Most of us have been.
Your employer’s staff support or employee assistance line is confidential, and it is there for exactly this. Your union can help if work is the cause. Your GP counts. So does the colleague who asks if you are alright and then waits for the real answer.
The Samaritans number above is for you as well. You do not have to be at the end of anything to ring it.
These details were checked in 2026. If one of them has changed, please tell me.