Fort goes green to highlight child neglect

Sunday 09 December 2018

Fort Regent's dome will be green until the end of the month to help raise awareness of the NSPCC’s Christmas campaign, which focuses on neglect.

‘Light For Every Childhood’ aims to highlight children who are neglected during the year, and particularly through the Christmas period.

A third of the calls the charity received in 2017 were about neglect, with a higher number of calls around Christmas. The charity says neglect is the most common form of child abuse but sometimes happens behind closed doors. Children may be living in cold, dark homes, going hungry or not being given the care and attention they need. 1 in 10 children in the UK suffer neglect and the NSPCC says the trauma it causes can last a lifetime.

A local line was launched earlier this year as part of the PANTS campaign, organised in partnership with the Jersey Safeguarding Board and the States. Available at 0808 800 5000, it provides specialised advice around the clock for anyone with concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing as well as advice and support. Children who have a concern or worry can contact Childline on 0800 1111.

To encourage islanders to support the campaign, Fort Regent turned green last week and will keep its unusual shade throughout the month for the Festive Fort and public ice skating events.

Julie Campbell, NSPCC Local Campaigns Manager, said: “We’re absolutely thrilled that Fort Regent is turning green to help us shine a light on every childhood. By highlighting the issue of neglect, we hope more children who aren’t having their most basic needs met can get the help they need.

“We all have a responsibility to keep children safe - neglect is the most common form of child abuse, with one in 10 children experiencing it. It affects children in all communities and from all backgrounds, but so often it goes unnoticed, leaving children feeling alone with nowhere to turn.”

IN PICTURES: Fort goes green...