THE NSPCC has released new figures today showing its Childline service delivered more than 5,000 counselling sessions to children in Wales last year, as people across the nation come together to play their part in the charity’s fundraising day (June 9).
The NSPCC first launched Childhood Day three years ago to bring communities together and highlight the vital role that everyone can play in helping to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.
It is a UK-wide, flagship event for the NSPCC, with all funds raised supporting the vital work of the charity helping to protect children and young people.
Last year, Childline delivered 195,000 counselling sessions with children across the UK, with at least 5,764 of them with young people in Wales.
Counsellors at NSPCC Cymru’s Childline bases in Cardiff and Prestatyn delivered nearly 14,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK during 2022/23.
The top five main concerns children raised in these counselling sessions related to mental and emotional health and wellbeing; family relationships; friendship issues; bullying and school/education problems.
This year, people across Wales and the UK have been encouraged to show their support for the charity by getting involved in the Childhood Day Mile, which can be walked, run, space-hoppered or danced.
Individuals across Wales are getting involved in fun and creative ways, while raising funds for the charity.
A Childhood Day Family Fun Day is being held in Margam Park, near Port Talbot, on Sunday, June 11, with fun activities for children including a trail, arts and crafts, egg and spoon race and other competitions.
Glamorgan County Cricket is also supporting Childhood Day at its match against Essex Eagles on Friday. An NSPCC Cymru volunteer will perform the coin toss to start the match, Childline and other services the charity runs will be promoted on the large screens around the ground and a collection will be held to raise vital funds.
NSPCC Cymru will also be holding a bucket collection in Cardiff city centre and at St David’s Dewi Sant shopping centre on Friday, June 9.
Former Wales rugby union captain Sam Warburton, NSPCC Cymru’s Ambassador for Childhood, said: “Childhood Day is a fantastic way for people across Wales to come together to have fun, raise money and help protect children.
“There are lots of ways to get involved, whether it’s by taking on the Childhood Day Mile, choosing to fundraise, donate or volunteer.
“Together, we can all play our part and help protect children.”
Elsewhere, HRH The Duchess of Edinburgh, the NSPCC’s Royal Patron, also showed her support for Childhood Day on Wednesday by visiting Richard Atkins Primary School in Brixton to celebrate pupils’ fundraising efforts.
Celebrity duo Ant and Dec also shared a photo of themselves on their Instagram. They wore sporty headbands and whistles and encouraged their followers to get involved in the Childhood Day Mile.
This morning (Friday), the NSPCC took over the Heart Breakfast show with two children taking on the presenting roles as ‘mini’ versions of Jamie Theakston and Amanda Holden alongside the real radio hosts.
As part of the show, the children enjoyed a game of Mastermind with Jamie and Amanda who were put in the hotseat and quizzed on themselves and their lives before Heart, including their childhoods.
Jo Swinhoe, Director of Fundraising at NSPCC said: “We’re thrilled to be celebrating Childhood Day today and to see the huge amount of support across the UK.
“It’s been wonderful to have so many participants getting involved in the Childhood Day Mile and other fundraising efforts, and the NSPCC would like to thank every single person who has donated or volunteered.
“This special day helps us to continue to support children and protect them from abuse as we work to ensure as many children as possible have a safe and joyful childhood.”
“You can find out more about how to get involved with Childhood Day here “
The NSPCC is urging anyone with concerns about a child, even if they are unsure, to contact the NSPCC Helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000 or email [email protected].
