One in five adults in the South West did not act when concerned about a child being abused or neglected, according to a new survey.

NSPCC has released data stemming from concerns that locals are unsure about identifying abuse or worried about the potential repercussions of reporting it.

This comes as a part of the charity's new campaign to inspire a million people to learn how to safely intervene when necessary.

NSPCC’s Listen up, Speak up initiative hosts workshops at schools, businesses, community groups, and organisations to inform individuals on recognising signs of neglect or abuse, how to address difficult conversations and who to contact if they are concerned.

The workshops are available face-to-face or online.

Additionally, participants can complete a 10-minute digital training session.

Emma Motherwell, local campaigns manager for the South West and Channel Islands, said: "We believe that everyone can play a part in keeping children safe, if armed with the knowledge of what to do when concerned a child is at risk."

She added that the workshops discuss a variety of scenarios, barriers to raising concerns, and offer advice on approaching these difficult conversations.

Somerset County Gazette: NSPCC’s Listen up, Speak up initiative hosts workshops to inform individuals on recognising

The survey, taken by 3,999 UK adults, including 354 from the South West, revealed that 32 per cent have suspected a child may be experiencing abuse or neglect.

However, worry about potentially exacerbating the situation or inability to prove the abuse, prevented one in five adults from acting.

The Listen up, Speak up digital training has already seen over 25,000 sign-ups.

The charity aims to enrol a million participants over the next decade.

NSPCC believes that supporting a struggling family, being a good listener or reporting concerns to a safeguarding lead or to the NSPCC Helpline, could help children stay safe.

According to the survey, more than half of South West parents have faced difficulties they found challenging to cope with alone.

Roughly one in five parents feared being judged, while nearly two thirds welcomed unsolicited support.

After the initial training, a series of follow-up emails will provide further advice on maintaining good parental mental health, bonding with babies, and internet safety for children.

Sophie, a South West local who experienced pre-natal depression and now campaigns for raising awareness, said: "It only takes a few moments to check on someone and let them know you are there for them.

"Help is available from the NSPCC, the domestic abuse helpline, and family support workers."

For more information or to sign up for online training, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/speakup.

To host a workshop, email localcampaigns@nspcc.org.uk.