Harrogate radiographers raise money for NSPCC and domestic abuse victims at Christmas
The chose to knit and sell Christmas covers for chocolate oranges
Two radiographers from Harrogate District Hospital have raised hundreds of pounds to support the NSPCC and victims of domestic abuse this Christmas period by knitting covers for chocolate oranges.
Jo Huddart and Bev Rayner work in the radiology department at the hospital in Harrogate, and chose to knit special covers for the festive chocolates this Christmas to sell to friends and colleagues.
The pair sold 187 of the covers, complete with chocolates, and raised £460, which they decided to split between the NSPCC and IDAS – the Independent Domestic Abuse Service.
Jo said: “Last year, Bev and I knitted poppies to raise funds for the Royal British Legion, but following the rise in reports of abuse throughout the pandemic this year, we wanted to do something that could help anyone who has experienced abuse.
“Obviously, we do all we can to help to everyone who comes through the hospital doors, but the NSPCC and IDAS are there for children, young people and adults whenever they need support and we wanted to do something to help them.”
Since the pandemic, the NSPCC helpline has seen an increase in the number of contacts it receives about children living in homes with domestic abuse. In the five months after national lockdown measures were first introduced, the average monthly number of contacts about this issue was 49% higher than earlier in the year.
Over the summer, the NSPCC and other charities successfully campaigned for the Government to amend the Domestic Abuse Bill and recognise the damaging impact domestic abuse can have on children. However, there is currently no legal requirement to provide specialist support services, which are crucial in helping children recover from domestic abuse and move forward with their lives.
Jackie Dawson, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager, said: “These knitted novelties are really delightful, and we’re so grateful to Jo and Bev for giving their own time to make and sell them, and help support children and young people across the region.
“Our specially-trained Childline counsellors speak to children across the country every day who have suffered or experienced abuse in their own home, and it costs £4 for them to answer a phone call, email or message. The £230 raised by Jo and Bev will help us be there for 57 children in their darkest hours this Christmas, and ensure Childline is there for them when they need us most.”
To help protect children stuck at home in environments that are not safe, the charity is urging the public to search “NSPCC” and donate £20 via it’s Here for Children Christmas appeal page.
Childline is there for young people across the country seven days a week on the phone, emails or via secure messaging through the website, even throughout the Christmas and New Year period.
Adults concerned about the safety or wellbeing of a child can contact the NSPCC helpline on 0808 8005000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk