• The announcement follows reports of an “unprecedented” demand for Childline services as young people struggle to deal with the impact of the coronavirus outbreak
  • The investment comes as an extension of Lidl’s three-year NSPCC partnership, with the supermarket aiming to raise £2 million over the next two years
  • Childline Founder and President Dame Esther Rantzen urges that Childline needs support now more than ever during this challenging time 

Today, Lidl GB announces the extension of its NSPCC partnership to support their Childline service, founded by Dame Esther Rantzen, and its mission to ensure no child goes unheard. The partnership will be extended for the next two years, with the aim to raise a further £2 million for the charity.

Over the last three years, Lidl have raised a massive £3million to support the NSPCC through its charity partnership. This funding enabled the charity to reach 1 million children via the ‘Speak out. Stay safe’ service, teaching primary school children to recognise the signs of abuse and neglect and who to turn to for help.

The announcement follows news that Childline needs support more than ever before. Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, Childline has counselled over 900 children and young people in the last few weeks as they struggle with self-isolation, arguments at home and the removal of professional mental health services from school and the NHS.

Together, with the money raised through the partnership, Lidl and the NSPCC aim to recruit 937 Childline volunteer counsellors, enable over 77,700 counselling sessions and provide over 2 million visits to the Childline website to provide children with online support in the next two years.

Dame Esther Rantzen, Founder and President of Childline commented: “Childline is more crucial than ever during a challenging time like this.  Now that schools, youth clubs and play groups have had to close their doors to most children, it’s essential that Childline can continue to offer help and support for our young people via the telephone or the internet.

“We know some homes are not safe, so the fact that young people are confined indoors, and no longer have access to teachers, or friends, or their extended families may mean they are at even greater risk. The invaluable support from Lidl will enable Childline, NSPCC’s life-changing service, to be there for the thousands of vulnerable children who urgently need our help every day.”

Christian Härtnagel, CEO at Lidl GB commented:  “We’re delighted to announce the extension of our partnership with the NSPCC to support their Childline service, and now more than ever it is crucial to ensure children are heard and supported during this challenging time.

“We’ve seen an incredible effort from colleagues across the business so far in raising money as part of our partnership with the NSPCC, and pledge to raise a further £2million to support the vital NSPCC Childline service.”

The NSPCC’s Childline service is a place for any child to turn to whatever difficulty they’re facing. The service allows them to talk to a Childline counsellor via online chat or over the phone, as well as finding a whole range of support on the Childline website. Whether a young person is struggling with mental health issues, bullying, or problems at home, Childline is always there for them.

For more information on Childline visit: nspcc.org.uk/childline

Comments are closed.


Agreement

To use this website, you must be aged 18 years or over

This will close in 0 seconds