Ulverston’s Hoad Monument will join dozens of landmarks across the UK in lighting up green on Monday in support of the NSPCC’s Christmas appeal.
This year has been tough for everyone, as the pandemic changed the way we live and Christmas is often a difficult time for children suffering abuse, neglect and poor mental health, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic expected to put even more children at risk this year.
By lighting up sites across the country in the run-up to the festive period, the NSPCC wants to remind the public that the children’s charity is here for children, whenever they need support.
Ulverston’s Hoad Monument, which is going green for the NSPCC on December 7, joins sites across the UK including the North East’s Tyne Bridge, York Bar Walls, Bradford City Hall, Cardiff Castle, Alexandra Palace and Battersea Power Station in supporting the charity.
Sandra Jones, Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC, said: “It’s really terrific to see the magnificent Ulverston’s Hoad Monument go green for us this year, it really looks amazing and serves as a reminder that the NSPCC is here for children, like a beacon of light at what can be a dark time of year.
“For thousands of children, being stuck at home for the holidays is a terrifying thought – and they urgently need their voices to be heard. We’re here for children this Christmas, protecting them from abuse and supporting them when they feel like they have nowhere else to turn. On the phone, online, wherever they need us to be, the NSPCC is here.”
Town Mayor Cllr Sharon Webster said: “We are delighted to be supporting the NSPCC in their Christmas Appeal and wish them every success.”
Christmas can be a difficult time for children suffering abuse, neglect and poor mental health, and the impact of the Coronavirus looks likely to put even more children at risk this year.
Since lockdown began, Childline counsellors have delivered almost 43,000 sessions to young people concerned about their mental or emotional health, experiencing loneliness and low self-esteem, and as the pandemic continues, we continue to hear from children who are struggling about all kinds of topics.
Last Christmas, there were 6,566 Childline counselling sessions (between December 24, 2019 and January 4, 2020), with a 26% increase in counselling sessions about suicidal thoughts and feelings compared to the previous Christmas.
To find out how you can support the NSPCC this Christmas, go to www.nspcc.org.uk