Number Day is observed on the first Friday of February as the official annual fundraising event organized by N.S.P.C.C. This year, it takes place on February 7. For nearly two centuries, the N.S.P.C.C. has led the fight against child abuse in the U.K. through its timely action, informational drives, and volunteering network. Number Day also honors the members and staff of the N.S.P.C.C. for their courageous contribution to the cause. Events and gatherings are held across the country, as people come together to raise awareness and money for the fight against the social evil of child abuse.
History of Number Day
Number Day is the official fundraising day for the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children — the oldest and most prominent child protection charity in the United Kingdom. Since 1884, the organization has been instrumental in raising critical awareness against the abuse suffered by children. In 1895, it ascended to the Royal Charter, with Queen Victoria becoming the first Royal Patron of the charity. The organization runs a prominent network of patrons and thousands of volunteers, touching the lives of millions of children with safety programs, monetary support, and counseling.
It is rightly said that it takes a village to raise a child, and it takes a village to abuse one. Children are most vulnerable to abuse by the people near them. Identifying and preventing abuse by prioritizing the health and safety of children is of paramount value to N.S.P.C.C.
With Number Day, the charity holds its annual fundraising event on the first Friday of February. For decades, it has been at the forefront of the fight against child abuse. With stellar patron alumni consisting of King Edward VII, Queen Alexandra, King George V, and Queen Mary, N.S.P.C.C. is the only charity in the U.K. with statutory powers under the Children Act 1989. All around the year, the charity organizes hundreds of galas, black tie events, and fundraisers to raise money for the cause. Every raised pound and every helping hand brings us a step closer to preventing abuse and protecting every child possible.
Number Day timeline
Liverpudlian businessman Thomas Agnew establishes the Liverpool Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
British philanthropist Anthony Ashley-Cooper seeks inspiration from the L.S.P.C.C. and establishes the London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children.
The U.K. Parliament passes the first-ever law to protect children from abuse after a five-year-long campaign by the London S.P.C.C.
The N.S.P.C.C. reports helping its four-millionth child.
Number Day FAQs
How can I report child abuse in the U.K?
File a direct complaint with Childhood National Abuse, call their Hotline at 0808 800 5000.
How can I report child abuse anonymously in the U.K?
File an anonymous complaint, dial 0800 555 111, or fill out the online form at help@nspcc.org.uk/.
What constitutes child abuse?
Child abuse is the physical or mental injury caused by neglect, sexual abuse, exploitation, or mistreatment of a child under the age of 18.
How to Observe Number Day
Join the cause
Since its inception in the 19th century, the N.S.P.C.C. has been the leading children’s charity in the U.K. The foundation works with schools, organizes therapy sessions, leads groundbreaking research, and lobbies the parliament for child protection laws. This Number Day, sign up at the official N.S.P.C.C. site and become an official patron of the cause.
Host a fundraiser
Ring in your community and organize a fundraiser. The day calls for the active participation of society, and the best way to lend a helping hand to the kids in need is through monetary compensation. The raised money directly helps the children in learning what abuse is, through the N.S.P.C.C.’s Speak out Stay Safe program.
Spread the word
Share the details of the day on your social media channels with the hashtag #NumberDay, and let your virtual friends learn about your strenuous efforts against the prevalence of child abuse in the U.K. Encourage your followers to join the cause by chipping in a few pounds or signing up for volunteer hours.
5 Chilling Facts About Child Abuse
The victims are everywhere
Studies show one in five adults has experienced abuse as a child.
It’s more common than you think
Approximately 3.1 million adults have suffered sexual abuse before turning 16.
It’s a secret crime
One in seven survivors never shares their abuse with the public.
Neglect
The most common form of childhood abuse in England is neglect, followed by sexual assault.
The abuse lingers
More than 52% of childhood-abuse survivors suffer domestic abuse later in life as well.
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. Math competitions are held in schools, and children are requested to wear clothes emblazoned with their favorite numbers to commemorate Number Day. The collected money is put to use by the N.S.P.C.C. to provide concrete and material relief to the victims of abuse.
It’s a campaign for change
The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children runs active lobbying efforts to safeguard the future and wellbeing of young people in the U.K. On Number Day, volunteers and supporters of this cause make calls to Members of Parliament, demanding more government attention to the social crisis that is child abuse.
We can do better
Number Day is a call to action to cater to the victims of abuse. Since children are mostly incapable of understanding abuse, it is upon the adults to identify and eliminate child abuse. With proper acknowledgment, fundraising, and lobbying efforts, we can bring change in the lives of thousands of children.
Number Day dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | February 4 | Friday |
| 2023 | February 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 2 | Friday |
| 2025 | February 7 | Friday |
| 2026 | February 6 | Friday |
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