Over the past year, we have seen just how vital our work is for young people as they have contacted our Childline service to seek support for abuse, neglect, or mental health issues while suffering increased pressure under the pandemic.

We’re now calling on anyone who’s able to join us on March 20 – the first day of spring – in a virtual event to help support Childline and our other services which help children across the UK who might be suffering their darkest hours even as the days get brighter.

The Walk for Children calls on fundraisers to walk, run or jog five kilometres on March 20 – or on a date that works for you – alone or with friends and family, in accordance with the latest Government guidelines. Provided you’re staying safe and socially-distanced, there are plenty of ways you can get involved.

Registration costs £10, and we hope everyone who takes part can raise £100 or as much as you can. You’ll be given tips on how you can raise funds with your walk once you have signed up. Everything you raise will go towards supporting Childline, our NSPCC children’s services and the Speak Out Stay Safe service, which has just launched its second assembly with input from Ant & Dec and helps teach children in primary schools how to recognise and speak up about abuse.

Young people need us, and we need you – 90% of our funding comes from the public, and your support through donations helps ensure we can be here for children when they need us most. The pandemic means we need new ways to raise money this year, and your passion, enthusiasm and fundraising will help us make 2021 a better year for children.

To find out how you can sign up for The Walk for Children, or to find out about our many other fundraising opportunities or even how to volunteer for the charity, go to www.nspcc.org.uk

MUBASHAR KHALIQ

NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager