First Pan-European Helpline Numbers Allocated
The first pan-European helpline phone numbers have been allocated by Ofcom and three big UK charities get the first batch.
The charity Missing People get to use 161 100 for a missing children helpline. NSPCC get 161 111 for its ChildLine service and 161 123 goes to the Samaritans who will use it as an emotional support line.
The new 116 numbers will work alongside the charities’ existing numbers. The idea is that they will allow anyone visiting Europe to be able to access a service via a memorable number.
The 116 numbers have been made available by the European Commission. One of their key aims is for certain social value services to be contactable by the same memorable number in all Member States. More 116 numbers will be issued and allocated in the future.
In the UK the 116 numbers will be free of charge, whether they are called from a landline, or mobile phone. Their introduction is expected later next year.
Martin Houghton-Brown, Chief Executive of Missing People, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for the charity Missing People to share the Europe-wide number for missing children. The charity already takes 128,000 calls every year and this has extended the opportunities to contact us.”
Christine Renouf, NSPCC Director of helplines, said:
“It’s excellent news that we have been allocated 116 111. This is a positive step towards making sure children are aware there are helplines across Europe which they can access through a single number.”
Catherine Johnstone, Chief Executive of Samaritans, said:
“We welcome the 116 123 phone number which will give anyone in emotional distress a free, short and simple way to call Samaritans. We believe that giving people the chance to talk can alleviate feelings of despair and suicidal thoughts - ultimately saving lives.”
Ofcom’s primary job is to allocate millions of telephone numbers to the communication providers for personal and business use.
Daniel Gordon, Ofcom’s Policy Director, said:
“Ofcom’s role is to enable these numbers to be rolled out in the UK for the benefit of consumers. These new 116 numbers will mean people can call these services wherever they are in Europe.”
Tags: ChildLine, Missing People, NSPCC, Ofcom
