TO HELP DESPERATE KIDS SPEAK OUT
call she took from a 10-yearold girl who told her that her dad and friends were making indecent images of her – and that they were planning to do the same with her six-year-old sister. Nearly three-quarters of children seeking help now do so online, where they face issues such as grooming and cyber bullying.
Colin says: “Before, children could go home and shut the door on the bullies. Now they’re there on their phones.”
One of his calls last week involved a teenager blackmailed into sending naked pictures to a stranger online. With the help of Childline, she reported him to police.
Colin says: “This girl was in pieces, worried that those pictures might still be there in years to come – and the fact she might not be the only victim. It took courage to do what she did.”
Just as it did for his first caller on that cold autumn night decades ago. Colin was awarded an MBE in 2013. He has no plans to retire from Childline. “I know the need is always there,” he says. “Why would I stop?” ■■Please help Childline be there for every young person who desperately needs support. Donate £4 by texting NSPCC 4 to 70744 or by visiting
Text costs include your donation plus your standard network rate. To donate £12, text NSPCC 12 and to donate £20, text NSPCC 20, also to 70744. The NSPCC will get 100% of your donation. nspcc.org.uk
ESTHER ON WHY CHILDLINE NEEDS MORE VOLUNTEERS