On Tuesday 21st December, which is the longest night of the year, hundreds of people will take part in the 5km ‘Walk For Children’ to support the NSPCC.
On this night, landmarks across the UK, including Ryde Council offices, St Thomas Heritage Centre and Aspire Ryde are also supporting the charity by lighting up and turning the NSPCC’s trademark green colour.
People taking to the streets
The people taking to the streets to walk and the landmarks lighting up green represent the hard-working Childline counsellors who are there for children, offering a beacon of light in their darkest times.
One in five children in the UK have suffered abuse and this Christmas thousands of children will call Childline in London and talk about their fears.
Record number of counselling sessions
December 2020 saw Childline deliver a record number of counselling sessions about loneliness for a single month, with the service delivering nearly 600 in December alone.
Loneliness is particularly affecting younger children. In 2020/21, there was a 47 percent increase in counselling sessions with children aged 11 and under when compared to the year before.
A very challenging time for children who suffer from abuse
Christmas can be a very challenging time for children who suffer from abuse, neglect and are struggling with their mental health. Cut off from school and other support, it is vital they have somewhere to turn.
The NSPCC is reaching out to the public to support its Here for Children Appeal and make a donation, so Childline counsellors can answer a child’s call for help this Christmas.
Hershkowitz: Thank you so much to the people of Ryde
Kate Hershkowitz, the NSPCC’s Supporter Fundraising Manager for the South East said,
“Thank you so much to the people of Ryde for lighting your beautiful buildings NSPCC green for us this year. If you live nearby and haven’t yet signed up for our Walk for Children, there’s still time.
“The festive period can be especially difficult for children who are struggling with their mental health or are in homes that are unsafe. Given the impact of the pandemic, it is no surprise that this year we’ve seen record numbers of children get in touch with us about loneliness.
“Our Childline service will be running every day over the Christmas holidays, and we thank Ryde Town Council and Aspire Ryde for raising awareness of this.”
East: Childline is a crucial service offering a beacon of light in the darkest times
Hannah East from Ryde Town Council said,
“Tuesday 21st December is the longest, darkest, loneliest night of the year and for many children this is something they feel and experience all too often. Christmas can be a difficult and challenging time for numerous young people, and it is vital that they know they always have someone to talk to and should never feel so isolated and helpless that they see no way out.
“Childline is a crucial service offering a beacon of light in the darkest times, that’s why this year we will be supporting the NSPCC Walk for Children by lighting up our buildings green.”
Get in touch
Adults worried about a child’s welfare can call the NSPCC’s Helpline 24/7 on 0808 800 5000.
Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit the Website.
Article edit
12pm 20th Dec 2021 – “about loneliness” added to fifth para
News shared by Sophie on behalf of NPSCC. Ed
Image: Chris Barbalis under CC BY 2.0
