The London Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was founded in 1884

It changed its name to The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) in 1889.

Its aim then was to protect children from cruelty, support vulnerable families, campaign for changes to the law and raise awareness about abuse.

Today, the NSPCC looks very different, but its purpose remains the same: to end cruelty to children.

The NSPCC's work

Most of our work is with children, young people and their families.
We also work to achieve cultural, social and political change - influencing legislation, policy, practice, public attitudes and behaviours and delivering services for the benefit of young people.

Our aim

We want to see a society where all children are loved, valued and able to fulfil their potential. To do this, we have four objectives:

> To mobilise everyone to take action to end child cruelty.

> To give children the help, support and environment they need to stay safe from cruelty.

> To find ways of working with communities to keep children safe from cruelty.

> To be, and be seen as, someone to turn to for children and young people.