In September 2020, as the world struggled with the isolation and disruption of the COVID-19 pandemic, we launched our Stop It Now live chat service.
It was a response to a simple but urgent need: people didn’t have a private space at home to call our helpline, but they still needed help.
Five years on, this service has proven its worth and become an integral part of our Stop It Now helpline.
Since launching, we have supported 3,494 people who have made 7,098 contacts through live chat.
A safe space to intervene and prevent offending
Live chat has changed how we support people. Initially, we managed live chats as a stepping stone to a phone call. But we soon learnt that it was a preferred way for some to engage with us. Our conversations via live chat are in-depth – averaging 54 minutes, up from 43 when we started.
It’s preferred by younger people – 20% of chatters are under-21, whereas only 5% are callers. Additionally, more people concerned about themselves using chat are unknown to authorities (47% versus 26% who call).
We’re also better able to support those with additional needs. People with hearing difficulties, or those who find phone calls overwhelming, are finding a safe space in chat.
Real impact
Take Isaac, 56. He contacted us via chat after being arrested for possessing AI-generated sexual images of children. He was struggling with long-term problematic pornography use, worsened by work stress. He believed AI images were less harmful – a belief our advisors were able to challenge.
We supported Isaac to work through our self-help materials and encouraged him to seek mental health support and build a better life, such as new hobbies and ‘offline’ relationships. We were able to intervene through live chat and prevent further online child sexual abuse.
But we can’t provide our helpline services alone. We need your help.
Our celebration of live chat coincides with our appeal for your support.
Every day, someone reaches out to our helpline in crisis. Last year, our advisors responded to an average of 75 requests for help every day — via phone, email, and chat.
With costs rising, we need more funds to support our helpline services, and we’re asking for your help to raise £15,000. Your gift today will help us continue providing support to thousands each year who require help and guidance when it matters most.
That’s thousands of moments where someone took a brave step to get help – and thousands of opportunities to protect children from harm.
Your gift in action:
- £50 helps answer a call or a chat
- £350 helps support an hour of helpline operation
- £500 helps support five people in need
However, every donation, no matter the size, helps prevent child sexual abuse.
Fundraise with us – the power of five
Want to do more? Why not take on a fundraising challenge themed around the number five to celebrate five years of live chat?
- Run, swim or walk 5k
- Wash 50 cars
- Organise a 5-a-side football tournament
- Raise £50 at a bake sale
- Host a 50-question quiz
Our friendly fundraising team is full of ideas and ready to support you.
Help us create a safer world for children, a call, chat or email at a time. Together, we can make a difference – protect children and prevent child sexual abuse.
Spread the word
Share our mission, advocate for prevention, and challenge outdated narratives.
