First ever virtual retreat held in the north for Childline

The NSPCC’s first virtual retreat day in the North of England is set to take place this weekend, in aid of Childline.

The retreat, held virtually over zoom, is set to take place on Sunday the 28^th June featuring a variety of health and well-being sessions. The classes will be held between 9am and 6pm by industry-leading instructors from the North of England, with 100% of funds raised going to Childline.

Tickets cover every class, meaning people can mix and match their favourite classes going to as many as they want, ranging from yoga and exercise, through to mindfulness and motivational sessions. 

The event comes as the NSPCC gears up to celebrate its third annual Childhood Day, which encourages people hold their own events to help raise vital funds for the NSPCC.

Janette Drew, Community Fundraising Manager, said “We are excited to announce that places are now open for the virtual retreat, which is set to be a relaxing, peaceful day in aid of Childline.”

“For each place, we’re asking for a £20 donation, which means that a Childline volunteer can deliver another five counselling sessions to children who are worried or scared at this challenging time”

The retreat is due to be held on the weekend after Childhood day, which is taking place on Friday the 26^th June.

The charity is encouraging people to ‘Be a Big Kid’, by hosting their own sports day with members of their household in their back garden, or getting dressed up and holding a virtual party eating jelly and ice-cream with friends and family over zoom or skype.

However people want to get involved, they can play a vital role in helping Childline to support children. Every penny will go towards the wide range of work helping children across the UK – and your support has never been more important.  

Across the UK, between the 10th of January to the 10th of May 2020, the NSPCC’s Childline Service has delivered 6,938 counselling sessions to children and young people who are worried about coronavirus and lockdown.  One of the thousands of children who has called Childline, said:

"I am not happy at home. My parents are physically abusing me - it's happening quite often now since schools closed and I'm really scared. They hit me and often it leaves me with bruises.”

From the counselling sessions our volunteers have delivered, we know there has been a direct impact on children’s mental health - and that those children who are living in homes which are not safe, or where there is violence, addiction or abuse are finding it especially difficult during lockdown. 

Janette continued: “The things we’re hearing from children are devastating, and it makes it all the more important that our counsellors are there to support them.

“We’re hoping to double the £1000 the retreat has already raised, meaning we can fund the appointment and training of a new volunteer counsellor to take many more calls from worried children just like this.”

For more information, and to reserve your place, you can visit the event’s JustGiving page.

For further information on how you can get support Childhood day, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/childhoodday or contact the NSPCC North of England team at northappeals@nspcc.org.uk