Local media group Newsquest collaborates with NSPCC for a Christmas campaign.
- Readers urged to donate cash or toys to support struggling children.
- NSPCC’s Childline counsellors hear from a child every 45 seconds over Christmas.
- A £20 donation to Childline could support calls from five children.
- The appeal runs across Newsquest’s 200+ titles, reaching millions online.
Newsquest, a prominent local media group, has initiated a significant Christmas campaign in collaboration with the NSPCC, one of its charity partners. This joint effort aims to bring relief and hope to children facing challenging circumstances during the festive season. The campaign appeals to the public to contribute through monetary donations or by purchasing toys, which can be facilitated via an Amazon Wishlist.
Sir Peter Wanless, the CEO of the NSPCC, highlighted the gravity of the situation, noting that Childline counsellors engage with a child every 45 seconds during Christmas. The calls often revolve around serious concerns such as abuse and loneliness, overshadowing the expected joy of the festive period. Last Christmas alone, Childline delivered nearly 5,500 counselling sessions to distressed young individuals, both over the phone and online.
The campaign underscores the vital role that a £20 donation can play, enabling counsellors to respond to calls from up to five children. This support is essential to provide guidance and reassurance to those in need during a time traditionally associated with joy and togetherness. Alternative options for contributing include purchasing gifts via an easily accessible Amazon Wishlist, offering another way for the public to participate in this initiative.
Henry Faure Walker, Newsquest CEO, expressed his satisfaction with supporting the NSPCC throughout the year, acknowledging the media group’s substantial contribution of £6 million in advertising support. This support is distributed across Newsquest’s extensive portfolio, encompassing over 200 titles both in print and digital formats, with the latter reaching more than 50 million users monthly.
The campaign leverages the wide reach of Newsquest’s media channels, ensuring that the appeal is effectively communicated across the UK. By running this appeal during a time of heightened awareness and goodwill, Newsquest and the NSPCC aim to maximise the impact of their message to secure much-needed support for vulnerable children.
This collaborative campaign reflects a dedicated effort to support children in need during the festive season, encouraging widespread community participation.
