Deliveroo riders will be trained to spot hidden signs of child abuse to help identify those at risk amid the coronavirus lockdown.
The NSPCC will provide training for hundreds of delivery staff to help them recognise children at risk of abuse and neglect.
Riders are “well-placed to spot any emerging safeguarding concerns” because they deliver directly to homes, the child protection charity said.
They will also be able to display a sticker containing the NSPCC helpline number on their bags so any adult with concerns knows how to get in contact.
The idea was prompted when a Deliveroo rider contacted the charity earlier this year after becoming worried about a child’s welfare, which led to action being taken.
Peter Wanless, NSPCC chief executive, said: “It is essential that we all play our role in helping to keep children and young people safe.
“Riders and other workers visiting people’s home during the pandemic have the unique opportunity to see or hear things that others may not.
"Therefore, it is important that they feel confident in knowing what to do if they are concerned about a child.
“It’s fantastic of Deliveroo to take this positive step with us – together we believe everyone can play a part in keeping children safe.”
Will Shu, the firm's chief executive, added: “We are so proud of the vital role Deliveroo riders are carrying out during the Covid-19 crisis.
“As key workers, riders are at the heart of local communities and will be able to play an important role to help keep children safe.”
Risks to children may have intensified during the pandemic because of an increase in stress among parents or caregivers, increased vulnerability of children to certain types of abuse, such as online abuse, and a reduction in normal protective services, the NSPCC said.
It has temporarily made the It’s Your Call course free during the pandemic, and has seen its helpline contacted more than 10,000 times.
Deliveroo riders will also deliver hundreds of free meals to NSPCC helpline staff in Belfast and Salford in recognition of their work during the crisis.
