Number Day

Number Day is celebrated on the first Friday of February, serving as the annual fundraising event organized by N.S.P.C.C. This year, it will take place on February 7. For almost 200 years, the N.S.P.C.C. has been at the forefront of combating child abuse in the U.K. through timely interventions, awareness campaigns, and a dedicated network of volunteers. Number Day is also a moment to recognize the bravery and efforts of N.S.P.C.C. members and staff who tirelessly contribute to this noble cause. Across the country, various events and gatherings are organized as communities unite to raise funds and awareness against the social evil of child abuse.

The History of Number Day
Number Day serves as the official fundraising day for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, the oldest and most well-known charity focused on child protection in the United Kingdom. Since its inception in 1884, the organization has played a vital role in raising awareness about the abuse that children face. In 1895, it received a Royal Charter, with Queen Victoria becoming its first Royal Patron. The N.S.P.C.C. boasts a vast network of patrons and thousands of volunteers, impacting millions of children’s lives through safety initiatives, financial support, and counseling services. It’s often said that it takes a village to raise a child, but unfortunately, it can also take a village to abuse one. Children are most at risk from those closest to them. N.S.P.C.C. places top priority on identifying and preventing abuse by ensuring the health and safety of children. On Number Day, the charity holds its annual fundraising event to continue its fight against child abuse, maintaining a prominent role in this battle for decades. With an impressive list of past patrons including King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, King George V, and Queen Mary, the N.S.P.C.C. is the only charity in the U.K. with statutory powers under the Children Act of 1989. Throughout the year, the organization organizes numerous galas, black-tie events, and fundraisers to gather financial support for its mission. Every pound raised and every helping hand brings us closer to preventing abuse and protecting every child.

Number Day Timeline

1883: Thomas Agnew, a businessman from Liverpool, establishes the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
1884: Inspired by the L.S.P.C.C., philanthropist Anthony Ashley-Cooper creates the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
1889: The U.K. Parliament passes the first law aimed at protecting children from abuse, following a five-year campaign by the London S.P.C.C.
1930: The N.S.P.C.C. proudly reports that it has helped its four-millionth child.

Number Day FAQs

How can I report child abuse in the U.K.? You can file a direct complaint with Childhood National Abuse by calling their Hotline at 0808 800 5000.
How can I report child abuse anonymously in the U.K.? You can file an anonymous complaint by dialing 0800 555 111 or filling out the online form at help@nspcc.org.uk/.
What constitutes child abuse? Child abuse involves physical or mental harm inflicted through neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation, or mistreatment of a child under the age of 18.

How to Observe Number Day

Join the cause: Since the 19th century, the N.S.P.C.C. has been a leading charity for children in the U.K. The organization collaborates with schools, facilitates therapy sessions, conducts pioneering research, and advocates for child protection legislation. This Number Day, register on the official N.S.P.C.C. site and become an official patron of the cause.
Host a fundraiser: Rally your community and set up a fundraiser. The day encourages active societal participation, and one of the best ways to help kids in need is through financial contributions. The funds raised directly assist children in learning about abuse through the N.S.P.C.C.’s Speak out Stay Safe program.
Spread the word: Share information about the day on your social media platforms using the hashtag #NumberDay, letting your online friends know about your commitment to fighting against child abuse in the U.K. Encourage your followers to support the cause by donating or volunteering their time.

5 Chilling Facts About Child Abuse

The victims are everywhere: Research indicates that one in five adults has experienced abuse during childhood.
It’s more common than you think: About 3.1 million adults have faced sexual abuse before turning 16.
It’s a secret crime: One in seven survivors chooses not to disclose their abuse publicly.
Neglect: The most prevalent type of childhood abuse in England is neglect, followed closely by sexual assault.
The abuse lingers: Over 52% of those who experienced childhood abuse go on to face domestic abuse later in life.

Why Number Day is Important

It hosts a national fundraiser: On the first Friday of February, nationwide fundraisers are organized by the N.S.P.C.C. Schools hold math competitions, and children wear clothes featuring their favorite numbers in honor of Number Day. The funds collected are utilized by the N.S.P.C.C. to provide tangible support to abuse victims.
It’s a campaign for change: The N.S.P.C.C. actively lobbies to protect the future and wellbeing of young people in the U.K. On Number Day, volunteers and supporters contact Members of Parliament, urging more governmental attention to the child abuse crisis.
We can do better: Number Day serves as a call to action to support abuse victims. Since children often struggle to comprehend abuse, it is up to adults to recognize and eradicate it. Through awareness, fundraising, and advocacy, we can change the lives of thousands of children.

Number Day Dates