The NSPCC is calling for new volunteers to help support its services in 2025.
The children’s charity, which relies largely on public donations to fund its services, needs volunteers to help organise fundraising events, to share its vital messaging in schools, and to be there to support children and young people at Childline.
Rebecca Shaw, a volunteer engagement lead for Childline called on anyone who might be able to spare a few hours a month in the new year to find out more about how they could help through the NSPCC website.
Rebecca said: “We have an incredible team of volunteers, many of whom travel across counties for a four-hour shift just to ensure they can be there at the end of a phone whenever a young person needs support.
“Christmas lights on the houses and carols in the air don’t make young people’s troubles or worries disappear. They still face the same difficulties over the festive period as they have throughout the year, and at Childline we are always here to offer the same support and help they need, even on Christmas Day.”
Margaret Anderson volunteers for Childline and the NSPCC’s Schools Service, which shares age-appropriate messaging with primary schools across the country, letting children know what they should do if they are ever worried about something.
Margaret said: “After I had retired, I was looking for a worthwhile, challenging volunteering role, and I saw an article in the local newspaper about the NSPCC School Service.
“That was in 2014 and nearly 11 years later I am still here. What’s more I am still enjoying it, and still finding every single workshop different because every class of children is different and unpredictable.”
Patricia Hodgson OBE, who also volunteers for Childline and the Schools Service, as well as hosting and supporting fundraising events, said: “It can be heartbreaking hearing the worries and problems of children and young people, but it is so satisfying to know that our NSPCC family is always ready to help. There is nothing more important than nurturing our next generation.”
To find out more about the various volunteering opportunities with the NSPCC, go to www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us.
How to donate
Readers can help bring hope to children this festive season by donating cash or buying toys to support our NSPCC Christmas appeal.
Over the festive season, the NSPCC’s Childline counsellors will hear from a child every 45 seconds who needs answers to serious questions – not about the joy of Christmas, but about how to cope with abuse or loneliness.
The campaign is asking readers to donate £20 to Childline to help ensure children can get the support they need. Donations can be made to Childline at nspcc.org.uk or by calling 020 7825 2505. Please select ‘referred from a local newspaper’.
The NSPCC also works with children and families to help them recover from abuse. Creating a safe, comfortable environment for children, helps them speak openly and work with the practitioners, and having toys and games on hand helps them to relax.
To buy a toy from the Amazon wish list, go to bit.ly/3BoIwZO.
Training praise
Rebecca Wilcox, Childline counsellor and Deputy President, says volunteers are always so supportive and meeting them is ‘a joy and a delight’.
Rebecca, who is the daughter of Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen, says: “You walk into the training room and everyone says to you ‘don’t worry, as long as you’re listening with empathy, you’ll remember your training and respond correctly’.
“I work alongside an incredible group of volunteers. When mum came back from doing counselling shifts, she was filled with insight and often fury at what young people were being forced to go through, but she was also elated when she had a productive conversation with a young person.
“I hate to overuse the word ‘inspiring’, but there is no other word to describe how brilliantly inspiring these people are. They really care and they are so clever and brilliant at sharing that care with the people who need it at the time when they need it.”
New animation for pregnancy service
A new animation has been created to share details about an NSPCC service which supports parents-to-be.
Pregnancy in Mind supports parents who are experiencing overwhelming or complicated feelings in their pregnancy. Referrals can be made by midwives, health professionals or by parents-to-be themselves who feel anxious about their pregnancy.
The new animation reassures them that becoming a parent at any time can be stressful, but support is available.
To find out more about Pregnancy in Mind, go to nspcc.org.uk/spaceforyou or to sign up speak to your midwife or email pim@nspcc.org.uk for more information.
Alexis Golden, NSPCC project development manager, said: “Pregnancy in Mind is a great way to help parents bond and connect with their baby.
"Sometimes taking the first step to access support can be difficult, but it’s always worthwhile.
“Through virtual or in-person groupwork sessions, parents will learn techniques like mindfulness meditation, active relaxation, coping skills, find out more about social support and advice on how to manage during what can be a stressful time.”
