The NSPCC and Jersey Child Protection Committee (JCPC) have joined forces to encourage island residents to help protect local children.

Keeping children safe is everyone's responsibility and people working or volunteering in their local community are well placed to sound the alarm if they suspect a child is at risk. Parents, grandparents and carers are also being urged to report any concerns that they may have about a child or young person.

Perhaps a child you know seems to be acting out of character or has an unexplained injury? There may be an innocent explanation, but it could be a sign that a family needs support, or that a child is being harmed or abused.

If you were worried about a child in your local community would you know what to do?

The NSPCC Helpline - 0808 800 5000 - is a vital first point of contact for anyone with concerns about a child. It's free, and open 24 hours a day, every day of the year. Callers don't have to give their name if they prefer to remain anonymous. Alternatively from 13th July 2011, they can text to a designated text number 07786 200001   which will drive on the spot reports of child abuse to the national HelplineIt's often difficult to make the decision to take action or seek help. However, it's much better to seek advice, by calling the NSPCC Helpline for example, than to ignore your concerns and do nothing.

By calling the Helpline, worried individuals can check out their concerns, be provided with advice on how to help a child directly or ask the NSPCC to seek help on their behalf.

*One caller to the NSPCC Helpline from the Channel Islands was concerned about her neighbours. She called the NSPCC Helpline anonymously because she had been worried for some time that the parents next door were not caring for their children. She said that the children were often not properly dressed for the cold weather. The older child of primary school age had missed a lot of school and often came home to find no-one home. The young toddlers were sometimes left being looked after by someone who didn't seem very responsible. It was known locally that their parents had a serious drug addiction and it appeared to be affecting their ability to look after the children. There were often others hanging around the house taking drugs with the children present and the parents would also shout at each other in front of children. The NSPCC Helpline advisor contacted social services and the police about immediate concerns for the children involved.

John Cameron, Head of the NSPCC Helpline explained: "NSPCC Helpline advisors assess the situation and the risks to children and take appropriate action. They may provide guidance and support, which can prevent abuse before it happens. Where they believe a child is at risk they will refer the case to the authorities. Callers to the Helpline can remain anonymous, so the family involved will not know who raised concerns."

Chair of the Jersey Child Protection Committee, Mike Taylor, added: "Not all children can speak out for themselves. I urge everyone to save the NSPCC Helpline number - 0808 800 5000 or text 07786 200001 - in their phones, so that if you ever have any worries about a child or young person's welfare, you can call in confidence and get advice. Together, we can make a real difference to protecting children in Jersey, so more tragic cases of abuse can be avoided."

Any adults with concerns about a child or young person should call the NSPCC Helpline on 0808 800 5000 or text 07786 200001 or email help@nspcc.org.uk. Alternatively, they can complete a form anonymously on the NSPCC website www.nspcc.org.uk.

Pressing or immediate concerns should also be reported to the police.