On Friday evening the exterior facade of the Library of Birmingham will be lit up green in support of the NSPCC.

Birmingham City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Families Cllr Karen McCarthy said: “We’re proud that the Library of Birmingham will be joining other great landmarks across the city and the UK by going green to support the NSPCC and Childline this Christmas. Together, we will remind young people that there is always hope, even in their darkest hours.

“Childline is an essential service over Christmas, and the team of volunteers and staff over at Childline Birmingham do such vital work to help children and young people across the city and beyond.”

On 22 December 2023, landmarks across the UK will turn green in aid of the NSPCC.

'Walk for Children' is the NSPCC's annual Christmas fundraising walk. Hundreds of people across the UK walk 5k on 22 December 2023, the longest night of the year. Because for children suffering abuse, every night feels like the longest.

'Walk for Children' is for everyone. Join on your own, with friends, family or furry friends, and take part in a way that works for you. Your fundraising could help answer urgent calls to Childline from children this Christmas.

For children, Christmas should be the most magical time of the year. But for thousands of children all over the country, Christmas can mean being trapped at home with their abusers.

• Last Christmas, Childline delivered more than 1,000 high-risk counselling sessions.
• 64% of high-risk calls and web chats to Childline at Christmas come in after dark.
• Childline, an NSPCC service, is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for children who have nowhere else to turn.

By joining the 'Walk for Children' event and raising vital funds, you can help answer more life-changing calls to Childline, giving children facing abuse a lifeline this Christmas.

Full details on how you can join in and the work of the NSPCC can be found on their website.

Article posted 21 December 2023