Light Up Christmas for Children

With the recent launch of the NSPCC’s Light Up Christmas for Children campaign across the UK, now is a fitting time to reflect on the huge impact the charity has had protecting children across Berkshire through their Speak Out Stay Safe schools programme.

In the last school year alone the NSPCC has reached nearly 20,000 local children at 74 primary schools. Through age-appropriate talks, the children are taught about different forms of abuse, such as neglect, bullying and physical and sexual abuse and with the help of the NSPCC’s mascot, Buddy, the scheme encourages children to speak to a trusted adult or Childline if they have worries.

These talks help children protect themselves and in many cases across the country, they have resulted in children reporting abuse and offenders being prosecuted and convicted of
their crimes.

Local NSPCC Fundraising Manager, Debbie Knights, said, “Many people read these terrible stories in the news and perhaps think there is nothing they can do about it but by volunteering for the NSPCC you really can make a direct difference to local children. Our Berkshire Branch of volunteers help fund the service and our Speak Out Stay Safe volunteers deliver the talks. Together they help protect children here every day and we can’t thank
them enough.”

To apply to volunteer for the NSPCC Schools Service visit www.nspcc.org.uk or to get involved with our local fundraising groups or if you are a business looking for a Charity of the Year call Debbie Knights on 0203 7632292or email [email protected]

Light Up Christmas Campaign

Many children report abuse, neglect and bullying by talking to Childline, the 24-hour service run by the NSPCC. However, at the moment only three out of every four calls to Childline are answered, which is why the NSPCC’s Light Up Christmas for Children campaign is raising money for Childline to be there for every child.

Please help Childline be there for every young person who desperately needs support. Donate £4 by texting ‘LIGHTS 12’ to 70800. Text costs include your donation of £4 plus your standard network rate. The NSPCC will receive 100% of your donation.

Children can contact Childline anytime free of charge by calling 0800 1111 or start a 1-2-1 chat at
www.childline.org.uk