Day: June 9, 2023

• Childline delivered 8,599 counselling sessions to children living in Scotland in 2022/23
• Aberdeen and Glasgow Childline bases delivered 29,741 counselling sessions to children across the UK in 2022/23
• 195,542 counselling sessions were delivered by Childline across the UK in 2022/23
• These figures are being released by the NSPCC as people across the nation come together to Celebrate Childhood Day on Friday, June 9
• Schools and nurseries in Scotland are taking part in the Childhood Day Mile
• The Scottish public have already generously donated at Childhood Day collections and events

The NSPCC has released new figures today showing its Childline service delivered over 8,000 counselling sessions to children in Scotland last year, as people across the nation come together to play their part in the charity’s fundraising day – Childhood Day (June 9).

Last year at least 8,599 of the counselling sessions delivered by Childline were with children and young people who were living in Scotland. 

While almost 30,000 (29,741) sessions were delivered to children across the UK by a counsellor based at the NSPCC’s Glasgow and Aberdeen Childline call centres.

In total, over 195,000 Childline counselling sessions were held with young people from across the UK over the past year (2022/23), and the charity is determined to continue to be there for any child who wishes to speak to them about their worries and concerns.

The top five main concerns for children were mental and emotional health and wellbeing; family relationships; friendship issues; bullying and school/education problems.

The NSPCC launched its flagship fundraising and awareness day, Childhood Day, three years ago, to bring communities together and highlight the vital role everyone can play in helping to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

This year, the charity has already seen displays of support in Scotland including collections at Morrisons in Inverurie and outside the Bruce Springsteen concert in Edinburgh, which brought in donations of £1,288.

Staff and volunteers from Glasgow Childline also raised £1,472 by doing a sponsored ‘Silly Hat Walk’ along the River Clyde in Glasgow on Sunday, June 4. This will enable Childline counsellors to deliver 368 counselling sessions to children and young people.

While staff and volunteers from Childline also raised £3,084 by taking part in the Aberdeen and Glasgow Kiltwalks.

Schools and nurseries in Scotland are also getting involved in the Childhood Day Mile including the Apple Tree Nursery in Rothesay, they are walking from the beach to the tearoom and back again, while Small Isles Primary School on the Isle of Jura and Keills Primary School on Islay, have children taking part in fun obstacle courses to complete the mile as well as football dribbling and scoring challenges. The children have also planned a whole school conga dance around the playground!

All funds raised will go to the NSPCC to help support the vital work in helping to protect children and young people. Individuals are also getting involved with the Mile in fun and creative ways, as well as taking part in volunteering to help raise donations and spread the word about Childhood Day.

Childhood Day Mile

Even if you don’t have responsibility for a child in your life, the NSPCC believes that strong communities are a key piece of the puzzle when it comes to safeguarding children.

This year the charity encouraged schools and the wider public to do their bit to support Childhood Day by taking on the Childhood Day Mile and has seen huge amounts of support across the UK.

How to Support

Whilst Childhood Day is an opportunity for everyone to get involved and raise money whilst having fun, it is also important to recognise the need for Childhood Day and the work done by the NSPCC. Half a million children across the UK suffer from abuse and neglect, which is equal to roughly seven children in a classroom experiencing abuse before they turn 18.

The NSPCC fights tirelessly to change this, and the charity’s work helps shape a better future for children in which they are safe from harm.

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 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.”

It’s never too late to show your support for Childhood Day and the amazing work being done up and down the UK by the NSPCC. 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’re unsure, to contact the NSPCC Helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000 or email help@nspcc.org.uk.

Children and young people can contact Childline about anything that may be worrying them 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by calling 0800 1111 or a 1-2-1 chat is available online, visit: www.childline.org.uk.

Sponsors

Lidl GB and Sky Cares, Sky’s community outreach programme, are sponsoring the NSPCC’s Childhood Day for a second year as retail and media sponsors. Lidl GB has been partnered with the NSPCC for 6 years and are currently supporting young people with their mental health by raising money for Childline. Sky Cares has been partnered with the NSPCC for three years and are committed to supporting the communities where their customers and employees live and work. Both partners will be helping to raise awareness of Childhood Day, as well as holding their own activities with their colleagues and customers across Great Britain to help raise vital funds.