ASHTON Gate stadium and SS Great Britain have joined dozens of landmarks across the UK in lighting up green in support of the NSPCC’s Christmas appeal.
Christmas is often a difficult time for children suffering abuse, neglect and poor mental health, and the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic is expected to put even more children at risk this year.
By lighting up in the run-up to the festive period, the landmarks are helping to remind everyone that the NSPCC is here for children, whenever they need support.
The Bristol attractions join sites across the UK including Cardiff Castle, Alexandra Palace and Battersea Power Station in supporting the charity.
Caroline Morgan, supporter fundraising manager for the NSPCC in the South West, said: “It’s really terrific to see these landmarks going green in support of our charity, serving 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.”
SUPPORT: Ashton Gate stadium (pic: Jon Rowley)
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.
Last Christmas, there were 6,566 Childline counselling sessions between December 24, 2019, and January 4, 2020, with a 26 per cent increase in counselling sessions about suicidal thoughts and feelings compared to the previous Christmas.
And, this year, Childline counsellors will be there again ready to help those children in need.
The NSPCC has launched the appeal to enable the charity to continue its vital work, and the public are encouraged to donate, with every donation helping make sure children have someone to hear their troubles at a time of year when it’s all too easy to feel isolated.
To find out how you can support the NSPCC this Christmas, you can visit the charity's website here.
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