East Cheshire Committee virtual events fund over a thousand Childline counselling sessions

The NSPCC East Cheshire committee have raised thousands of pounds in the last few weeks, which will fund over a thousand Childline counselling sessions to take place.

Recently, the committee organised a retreat, held virtually over Zoom, offering access to a variety of health and well-being sessions. The classes ranged from yoga and exercise, through to mindfulness and motivational sessions, held by industry-leading instructors from the North of England, with 100% of funds raised going to Childline.

The event was held in combination with the East Cheshire NSPCC committee’s ‘Stay at home Selfie’ initiative, where people were asked to post a selfie and donate £4, the cost of providing one counselling session.

Together, the Stay at Home Selfies and Virtual Retreat raised more than £4,500, which will provide more than a thousand counselling sessions to children and young people who are worried or scared at the moment.

Janette Drew, Community Fundraising Manager, said “The response to the East Cheshire committee’s events was phenomenal, and means they have exceeded our target of £4,000 raised for Childline.

The virtual retreat was the first of its kind to take place in the North of England for Childline, and was met with a great response.

“There was something in the retreat for everyone, and we think it’s important that anyone can get involved in fundraising, no matter their physical ability, and we’ve tried incredibly hard to make the event inclusive.”

Hannah Witherspoon, an attendee, said:

“After a 3 month slump, I signed up for the retreat day for a bit of mind reset and ‘me time’ and I’s so glad I did. After the fabulous day I feel super energised for the week ahead and I am now looking forward to getting back on track with my goals whilst remaining positive for the future!”

Meanwhile, attendee Roisin Whelan added:

“I have been inspired by all the incredible contributors to make real positive changes in my life! And the fact that the day was all for such a worthy cause makes it even more admirable.”

Every penny raised by the retreat is set to go back into Childline, answering the thousands of calls from children who are struggling right now.

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. 

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 help them.

“That’s why we’re hoping to drum up support for another virtual retreat, where we can get even more people involved in promoting self-care and raising vital funds for Childline.”

For further information contact the NSPCC North of England team at northappeals@nspcc.org.uk