Islanders urged to 'sparkle' so abused children can shine

Saturday 22 December 2018

'Tis the season to be sparkly, according to a new NSPCC initiative to help raise funds to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

A £3 donation for wearing something shiny this festive season is enough for the children charity’s Schools Service team to reach and protect another child.

Nicola Santos-Costa, NSPCC Jersey’s Fundraising Chair, said the charity hoped many islanders would get involved in their fun Christmas fundraising initiative, 'Get Your Sparkle On'. Sparkly participants are invited to send photos of them wearing sparkly gear and share the hashtag #SparkleOn.

“Anyone can participate and they can get involved whenever and wherever they like, whether it be at home with friends, or the office Christmas party," she explained. “Any donation we receive makes a massive difference, no matter how small, because it helps us protect children and prevent abuse. Know that by contributing at Christmas you are making a huge difference to local children.” 

Pictured: The NSPCC 'Speak Out Stay Safe programme' teaches children how to stay safe.

During the past academic year, the charity’s School Service team has been presenting its 'Speak Out Stay Safe programme' to over 2,300 children in Jersey. School children attended assemblies and workshops and were taught about physical, sexual and emotional abuse as well as neglect and bullying. They also learned how to stay safe with the help of the charity’s mascot Buddy.  

Earlier this year, the local branch of the NSPCC launched its PANTS campaign, which aimed to teach children through a simple acronym about personal boundaries and inappropriate touching in a bid to prevent abuse.

As part of the campaign, a dedicated NSPCC Jersey helpline, 0808 800 5000, was also launched to provide around-the-clock specialised advice for anyone having concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing.

Pictured: The NSPCC's helpline and Childline will be open over Christmas.

The line will be operating over the festive period, with volunteers in the UK and locally leaving their own families on Christmas Day to answer calls from children who have nowhere else to turn. The helpline, like the NSPCC's Childline is free and confidential to call and demand can often increase over the festive period, when emotions can be magnified. 

Julie Campbell, the NSPCC’s Campaign Manager for the Channel Islands, said: "Christmas should be a magical time for children, but many young people will be facing some really distressing situations such as living with neglect, sexual abuse, family breakdowns or bereavement. It’s really important for us to teach children throughout the year about Childline, so they remember the number should they need it, even if that’s on Christmas Day. It can be a real lifeline."

Ms Campbell said that any donation made over Christmas will help the charity continue its work. "Childline offers all children the chance to talk about whatever issue they are facing, whether it’s big or small," she explained.

"Children are listened to by counsellors over the phone or online and they are specially trained to support children with their concerns. Children are given the time to talk about how they are feeling and no judgment is passed, which is really important to young people going through a tough time, especially if they don’t have the necessary support from friends or family.”