Heidi Range joins NSPCC’s Childhood Day Campaign

A host of celebrities and influencers gathered at the NSPCC headquarters in London on March 19 to launch the charity’s upcoming Childhood Day, set to take place on June 6.

The NSPCC’s Childhood Day aims to raise awareness and encourage people across the UK to get involved in fundraising activities to help protect children from abuse and neglect.

Celebrities and influencers, many of whom came with their own children, participated in various activities, including a cake sale run by former The Great British Bake Off contestants, a visit from a life-sized PAW Patrol character and photo opportunities with Childhood Day disco ball T-shirts, designed exclusively by Abel and the Label.

Heidi Range, NSPCC Campaigner for Childhood, said:

“I am honoured to be involved once again in another fantastic project by the NSPCC. Childhood Day is a wonderful opportunity for everyone to have fun while playing an important role in protecting vulnerable children.

“As a mother, I am especially passionate about doing everything we can to keep our children safe. I want to help ensure that every child has the joyful childhood they deserve.

“Childhood Day is a great chance for families to come together, enjoy themselves, fundraise, and help keep children safe. I will be getting involved, and I encourage you to join me!”

The NSPCC first launched Childhood Day four years ago to unite communities across the UK and to highlight that everyone can play their part in helping to keep children safe from abuse and neglect.

Whether or not you have responsibility for a child, the NSPCC believes that strong communities are a key piece of the puzzle regarding safeguarding children.

As the charity prepares for its fourth annual Childhood Day on Friday (June 6), it has issued a rallying call for families to come together to celebrate childhood by signing up for or participating in one of the many fundraising activities taking place around the country.

People can get involved by volunteering at a Childhood Day collection, participating in the charity’s Childhood Day Mile, or donating directly.

All the funds raised from Childhood Day will go towards ensuring the NSPCC can continue to deliver services like Childline to those children who need support and feel they have nowhere else to turn.

Abi Carter Simpson, a semi-finalist from Britain’s Got Talent, delivered a special performance of “Bright Lights”, which was specially written for Childhood Day, to kick off the launch party.

The event also featured a bake sale table, where treats were baked by former The Great British Bake Off contestants, including Candice Brown and Dr Josh Smalley, and Juliet Sear, a baker who has appeared on ITV’s This Morning.

Other celebrities who supported the event included TV presenter and podcaster, Anna Williamson, who is also a Childline counsellor. Only Fools and Horses actress, Gwyneth Strong and Michael Gunning, Olympic swimmer, were also there on the day to show their support for the NSPCC’s Childhood Day.

At the launch party was a Baker Ross playroom led by Amber Ogunsanya—William, a childcare specialist and presenter. There, the children had lots of fun playing games and making crafts.

Additionally, Matalan’s new fundraising fashion collection for kids was on display. A human-sized PAW Patrol character made an appearance, distributing PAW Patrol gifts to children in attendance.

People can also get involved by donating or volunteering at a Childhood Day collection in their local community.

£10 could help the NSPCC Helpline answer more contacts about children at risk.
£24 could pay for the NSPCC’s Speak Out, Stay Safe programme to reach eight primary school children, teaching them how to recognise abuse.

To find out more on how to get involved in Childhood Day, including taking part in the Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a fundraising collection, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/charity-fundraising/childhood-day/

Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk. Any adults concerned about a child’s safety or wellbeing can contact the NSPCC helpline at help@nspcc.org.uk or by calling 0808 800 5000.