We’re always there to help

Christmas can be a difficult time for children and young people across the UK who are living with abuse or neglect at home, and for those who are struggling with their personal, mental or emotional health as the winter nights draw in.

It’s vital that we remind them that no matter how they are feeling, or how big or small their problems are, Childline and the NSPCC is always available to offer help, advice and support.

That’s why, on the longest night of the year (December 21), buildings and landmarks across the UK were lit up green in support of the NSPCC – when they became beacons of hope in the dark, a visual representation of the help available through our Childline service.

Here in the north, sites, including Sunderland, all went green to show their support for Childline this Christmas, and we’re hugely grateful to everyone who helped make that happen.

We’re also enormously grateful to our 1,200 Childline volunteers at bases across the country, many of whom will be giving up their time this Christmas to ensure that whenever a young person needs to speak to someone, we’ll be there to help.

As a charity, the NSPCC relies on public donations for the majority of its funding, and every £4 could help one of our Childline counsellors answer a call from a young person when they need us most – so the price of a gingerbread latte or a festive sandwich could genuinely change a young person’s life.

To find out how you can support the NSPCC and Childline, through donations, fundraising, volunteering or just by sharing our message, go to www.nspcc.org.uk

Helen Westerman, NSPCC Head of Local Campaigns.