NSPCC Learning has published a new report - 'Small acts, big impact' - on how communities can work together to support families and help prevent child abuse and neglect. A survey was carried out with over 6,500 adults across the UK to understand public attitudes towards ‘supportive actions’, simple acts that can help families and children cope with difficult times in life. Findings show: most participants were open to offering and receiving supportive actions; participants were more likely to offer and accept supportive actions to or from people they know well; and care and sensitivity is required when offering supportive actions to avoid causing upset or offence.
Small acts, big impact: how communities can support families through everyday challenges

Key findings

• Most participants were open to offering and receiving supportive actions and are optimistic about their benefits.
• Participants were more likely to offer and accept supportive actions when it was people they knew well, though there was also a willingness to try to support others in their community. 
• There is a need for care and sensitivity when offering supportive actions to avoid causing upset or offence.
• Participant characteristics such as gender, age, ethnicity and whether the participant was involved with children in their daily life influenced decisions about offering and receiving help.