‘I will never forget your kindness’

FOLLOWING anti-bullying week (November 11) I want to talk about my time at NSPCC and how I feel bullying has changed over the years.

It was 17 years ago when I began volunteering for Childline when I was aged just sixteen.

I remember how anxious I felt on my first day. Taking my first Childline call was nerve-wracking as I wasn’t sure what the nature of the call would be. However, despite my nerves, after I finished that call I realised that I could do this and, more importantly, I had just helped a child in need.

That was just the beginning of my career at Childline. I continued to volunteer for the service whilst studying politics at university and then after I graduated I decided to follow my heart and take on a fulltime role working for the service. Seventeen years later I am now a Childline Service Manager in London.

The nature of bullying has changed significantly over the years. When I first started working for Childline it was predominantly name calling in the playground. Now, children can experience bullying on their phones whilst walking home or on their or laptops or tablets from the comfort of their bedroom.

Bullying, in all its forms, is the fourth most common concern that children and young people contact Chidline about. For a parent or carer, discovering that your child is being bullied is likely to trigger a huge range of emotions and it can be difficult to know where to start with supporting them. Letting them know that it is not their fault and that you’re there if they want to chat can make a massive difference.

Helping them identify trusted adults they can talk to if they don’t want to talk to you or recommending Childline can help them feel less alone.

The NSPCC’s Childline service provides a safe, confidential place for children, whatever their worry, whenever they need help. They can contact Childline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. Parents who want to learn more about the sites, games and apps their children are using can also visit the NSPCC’s and O2’s net aware website www.net-aware. org.uk/.

This year, as part of its antibullying campaign, Childline are also encouraging young people to support their friends who may be being bullied. A few words can make a real difference. So, spread the support and tell a friend “I got you”.

In 1982 I was elected to Ealing council and in 1997 to parliament for my home constituency of Ealing North. Now I am retiring from Westminster.

These have been the proudest achievements of my life and it is difficult to come to terms with the fact that after 37 years I am once again an ordinary member of the public. I would like to say, though, that there is actually nothing ordinary about the people of Ealing North and to have represented them over the years has been a wonderful privilege and often a real delight.

I would like to thank all those who trusted me and hope that I have not let them down.

I wish my successor well and, above all, I wish the great people of Ealing North every happiness in the future.

I will never forget your kindness and the common decency which is such a feature of our community here. I will miss you greatly.

Hearing and seeing first-hand the difference that Childline makes to children’s lives is massively powerful. When it’s a cold Monday morning that is what gets me to work.

Childline Service Manager for London

MY wife and I were on a number 15, near London Bridge station, one afternoon recently.

A thoughtless person, desperate to catch-up with their friends, run straight across the road, immediately in front of the bus, causing the driver to brake heavily.

The net outcome of the jaywalker’s action was that a frail old lady was thrown from her seat and injured, perhaps seriously.

The jaywalker was long gone and completely oblivious to the possibly life-changing result of his or her action.

Jaywalking is illegal in many countries and cities across the world. Perhaps it is time for a similar ban to be introduced to the UK ?

Hayes

IN the run-up to 16 Days of Action

Hanwell

Against Domestic Violence (25 Nov to 10 Dec), Cats Protection is highlighting its free pet fostering service, Paws Protect, for families fleeing domestic abuse.

Through a network of cat fosterers, the service provides a retreat for pets of those going into refuge until they have a safe place to live and can be reunited.

Paws Protect was initiated in 2017 and to date has had over 540 referrals to the service, helping over 100 families flee domestic abuse. So far, Cats Protection has taken in more than 190 cats.

All information between the cat owner and foster carer is kept confidential and while it is not possible for the owner to visit their cat while it is being fostered, the Paws Protect team provide monthly updates to give the owner peace of mind.

Paws Protect covers London, Hertfordshire, Essex, Kent, Sussex, Surrey, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire and Berkshire and is able to accept referrals from owners and professionals supporting those fleeing domestic abuse, such as support workers, social workers and the police.

Referrals can be made by calling 0345 260 1280 or by emailing pawsprotect@cats.org.uk.

Cats Protection’s Paws Protect Coordinator