AN MP has been looking into the potential impact on users after a decision was made to scrap face-to-face NSPCC services in North Wales.

Following a consultation, the NSPCC outlined its intentions to stop the delivery of direct services in the Prestatyn. Childline in the town will not be affected.

The charity will close their centre in Swansea and use their Cardiff base as a regional hub.

Dr James Davies, MP for Vale of Clwyd, said: “Since the charity first announced its intentions to close the centre, I have received emails from people who are extremely distressed about the loss of these services locally. I have put forward all these concerns in my continual correspondence with the NSPCC and at my meeting with them at the end of July, but alas they have said they will be going ahead with their plans.

"The closure of the Prestatyn Centre will result in the loss of 12 practitioners, although the call centre for Childline will remain.

“With the centre having assisted 83 vulnerable children in the Vale of Clwyd directly in the last year, it is clear to me that these are not services we can afford to lose locally and indeed in North Wales.

"I therefore urge the NSPCC to reconsider all the representations made to them and review their decision.”

Dr Davies contacted the Chief Constable of North Wales Police with respect to the likely impact of the closure on the Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) in Colwyn Bay.

The politician said the response he received suggested they also have great concerns regarding the proposed closure. Dr Davies has fed these back to the NSPCC.

Dr Davies has also written to the health board to gather the views of paediatricians.

Tracey Holdsworth, assistant director for NSPCC Cymru/Wales and Head of Local Services Wales, said: “Our mission is to prevent child abuse and we’re making changes to the way we run some of our local services to help us reach even more communities in Wales. 

“Alongside Childline, which is here for children no matter their worry, and our helpline, which is here for any adult with concerns about a child, a hub in Cardiff will coordinate all of our work in Wales. This will include local campaigns, specialist direct services, community partnerships, and a named person to work with every single school in Wales. 

“Our Childline base will remain in Prestatyn but our face-to-face work with children from this site and in Swansea will come to an end. A consultation has now closed and sadly a number of roles will be made redundant in the months ahead. We’re doing everything we can to support staff members affected, including training and suitable alternative employment where possible. Every child or family currently receiving an NSPCC service will complete an agreed programme of work.   

“With less early or preventative support available for families, growing online safety concerns, and the impact of the pandemic, we are extremely worried about the risks facing children here.  We believe we can have the greatest impact with the funding we have by trying to prevent abuse and neglect before it happens. These changes would help us achieve that aim across Wales.”