The British Society of Paediatric Dentistry (BSPD) has announced that it supports a campaign launched by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) calling for better mental health support for abused and neglected children and young people.

The aim of the 'It's Time' campaign is to help abused or neglected young people access the support they need to recover from the trauma they have experienced. Minister of State for Community and Social Care, Alistair Burt MP, launched the campaign at the Houses of Parliament on 10 February 2016.

Alistair introduced an NSPCC young ambassador who told guests at the launch why the campaign was so important. He spoke of young people who resorted to self-harm or threats of suicide before they could get help.

Jenny Harris, a specialist paediatric dentist who has done so much to raise awareness of child protection issues among the dental profession (pictured), said: 'This is the most compelling campaign I remember. It seems we have come so far – to get better at recognising signs of abuse and neglect and refer children for help – yet it is scandalous to hear that those same children can't get the support they then need to rebuild their lives.'

To find out how to support the campaign, go to: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/fighting-for-childhood/campaigns/its-time/.