NSPCC Cymru will be at the Urdd National Eisteddfod this year giving visitors the opportunity to find out more about the charity and encouraging them to take part in its annual Childhood Day on June 9.
Staff and volunteers will be at the event, being held in Llandovery between May 29 June 3, to talk about their work and promote the charity’s flagship day of fundraising and action which brings people together to protect children.
There will be fun activities for children on the stall, while the NSPCC’s Pantosaurus will be on the Maes. A bright yellow friendly dinosaur known by millions, Pantosaurus encourages parents, carers, and teachers to Talk PANTS and help to keep children safe, through supporting them to recognise what abuse is and know who to talk to if they are worried.
Having a presence at the Eisteddfod Yr Urdd demonstrates the charity’s commitment to providing bilingual services as recognised through the Cynnig Cymraeg certificate awarded by the Welsh Language Commissioner’s Office last year.
NSPCC Cymru has Childline bases in Prestatyn and Cardiff. The service offers vital counselling in Welsh and English to children seven days a week, 24 hours a day.
The services can be life-changing for children, giving them a chance to speak out safely about whatever might be happening to them or worrying them.
The NSPCC also runs a helpline for adults to contact with concerns about a child’s safety or wellbeing and refers these contacts on to statutory agencies if appropriate, while offering advice and assistance in all cases.
In 2022/23 the helpline made 285 referrals to statutory agencies in Wales with concerns of neglect, 223 because of physical abuse, 164 about domestic abuse, 135 concerning sexual abuse and exploitation, including online abuse, and 110 because of emotional abuse.
NSPCC Cymru’s National Relationships Manager, Dan O’Keefe said: “Everyone has a part to play in protecting children. We know that strong communities can help to keep children safe, where thousands of individual people play their part in doing what is right. That is why we created Childhood Day – a day that brings everyone in the UK together to emphasise why child protection is a top priority.
“We are looking forward to this year’s Urdd Eisteddfod and would encourage everyone to visit our stand on the Maes to find out what they can to help keep children safe.”
Childhood Day takes place on the second Friday in June every year. This year it falls on June 9 .Visit the Childhood Day hub or search ‘Childhood Day’ to find out more about how you can play your part.
NSPCC Cymru/ Wales urges anyone with concerns about a child, even if they are unsure, to contact the NSPCC helpline to speak to one of the charity’s professionals. People can call 0808 800 5000, email help@nspcc.org.uk or fill in the online form.
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