Please think of children
The shockwaves of the coronavirus pandemic have been difficult for everyone, but many children have been hidden victims, facing increased risk of abuse and neglect at home and online, and lockdown has a huge impact on their mental health.
Our NSPCC practitioners have been reaching out
to children trapped in abusive households, and our Childline counsellors still talk to children the country every day.
They’ve heard about the pressures families are under and the strain it’s putting on their lives, how children have worried about missing school, exam results, concerns for loved ones and bereavement.
It’s becoming increasingly clear that the pandemic is far from over, but as we move from crisis to recovery, we’re calling on the Government to ensure our children’s safety and wellbeing are given the same importance as recovery plans for the economy and health services.
When lockdown happened, we had to close Childline’s night service for the first time in our history, and saw volunteer hours drop as counsellors had to self-isolate.
Now, thanks to the commitment of our incredible staff and volunteers, Childline is available from 7.30am to
midnight Monday to Friday, and 9am to midnight at weekends.
We’re adapting to ensure we’re still here on the frontline, helping children and empowering adults to support and protect young people at a time when they’re also under pressure – and your readers can help.
You helped us before the pandemic, and now we need your donations and support so we can still be here, for every child.
Reinstating weekly collection of wheelie bins might help to ease the problem