The Child Helpline, 1325 is now more developed with more services on offer.

Managed by Medical Services Pacific, the service is now a one stop shop providing online counselling and access to assistance in real time.

MSP’s Child Helpline Manager, Fanny Fiteli says with the introduction of the mascot, Charlie last year, the toll helpline has gained a lot more recognition.

“Mostly people reporting child neglect or children on the streets or someone is getting abused and as soon as the call or the details are identified, the Counsellor than puts the caller on hold, calls the nearest Police Station or Police Post, or the nearest Social Welfare Officer on call in that area and alerts them to the incident and we than get back to the caller and tell them we’ve contacted so and so.”

The Child Helpline also acts as a forum for suicide prevention with more young Fijians struggling with mental health.

Last week, an 11-year-old primary school student committed suicide, taking the toll for this year to 13 deaths.