Landmarks in Leicester and Peterborough to light up green for NSPCC
Walk for Children raised more than £100,000 for the charity last year
Landmarks in Peterborough, Leicester and all across the UK will light up green tonight, in support of those fundraising for leading children's charity NSPCC.
Both The New Theatre Peterborough and The Key Theatre will be illuminated, as well as City and Town Hall in Leicester.
Families and friends taking part in Walk for Children will walk 5k tonight, to help raise vital funds for the charity and it's Childline service, which will have counsellors on hand to answer life-changing calls throughout the festive period.
When children are at home for the holidays, other support systems like school are unavailable, which means the service is crucial.
Last Christmas, the helpline - which relies heavily on public donations - gave out more than 1,000 high-risk counselling sessions, with 64% of high-risk calls and web chats coming in after dark.
Hundreds of people walked 5k on the longest night of the year and raised over £100,000 for the charity.
Barbara Elsey, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for Leicestershire, said: “Our Childline service is expecting a child to contact them every 45 seconds this Christmas, and while it’s free for them to contact the service over the phone or internet, every counselling session costs the charity around £4.
“For children facing abuse, the winter nights are dark, long and lonely, and we want all children to know that Childline is here for them, even on the darkest nights. We rely on public donations for around 90% of our funding, and by joining us on December 22 you can help Childline answer more life-changing calls.
“Whether you’re enjoying mulled wine and mince pies on the way around, wearing reindeer antlers, Santa hats or light-up accessories, or just pulling on your warmest coats and hats and enjoying the view, you’ll be helping Childline be a lifeline for children this Christmas.”
You can contact the NSPCC Helpline by calling 0808 800 5000, emailing help@NSPCC.org.uk or completing our report abuse online form.