Children’s charity the NSPCC has been holding its flagship Childhood Day celebrations in London and across the UK this week with an array of star-studded support.
Childhood Day, on Friday, June 7, encourages people to take part in fun games or sponsored events to raise funds and support NSPCC services like Childline. People can take part by walking, running, wheeling or bouncing a mile, with every pound raised helping to support the NSPCC!
Schools in Dagenham and Woodford Green have seen Childhood Day visits from alumni Lydia Bright from The Only Way Is Essex, and Emanuel Wallace, aka Big Manny, whose accessible science videos have been viewed millions of times by young people on social media.
In King’s Cross, Victoria, and Liverpool Street stations, as well as Sloane Square, volunteers held collections in the lead up to the big day. Collections also took place in Bromley, Knights Garden Centre in Croydon, and Totteridge.
Meanwhile at the NSPCC’s London and South East Hub in Camden local families were invited to an open day, where they took part in the Childhood Day Mile, and decorated biscuits of NSPCC School Service mascot Buddy.
On Childhood Day itself, journalist and podcaster Pandora Sykes will be joining fundraising volunteers in Trafalgar Square, collecting money for the NSPCC.
Pandora said: “As an NSPCC Campaigner for Childhood, I’m delighted to be supporting Childhood Day by volunteering at their Trafalgar Square collection.
“NSPCC’s Childhood Day aims to bring everyone together to have fun and help keep children and young people safe from abuse. So please do support the NSPCC, in all their brilliant work – every little bit helps.”
Schools across the region also have the option to take part in the Schools Childhood Day Mile on Friday, with children moving a mile for a donation from parents and carers, whether that’s dancing in the dinner hall or parading around the playground. Every pound raised helps to support the NSPCC’s vital work.
Chloe Cuthill, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager for London, said: “It is essential that our services, like Childline, are here for those children who need help and do not know where to turn. Every £4 raised for Childhood Day could help a Childline counsellor answer a call to a child in need of help.
“In the 2022-23 year we estimate that Childline delivered 26,700 counselling sessions to young people in London.
“We’d like to say a huge thank you to every single person who has contributed to Childhood Day 2024 so far. Everyone can play a role in helping children, and you’ve all done it wonderfully.”
Corporations have also been supporting Childhood Day, including a corporate Dragon Boat Race in Surrey Docks, and a Childline Sports Day.
Lidl GB is sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a third year and is currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Lidl GB is helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues and customers in stores across the region.
If you’re concerned about a child, there is help available. You can contact our Helpline for advice by calling 0808 800 5000 or emailing [email protected].
