GET BEHIND THE NOW I KNOW APPEAL IN BERKSHIRE

The NSPCC is calling on local people across the Thames Valley to get involved with fundraising activities and supporting their £500,000 appeal – Now I Know - which will help fund its new ChildLine Schools Service in primary schools across Berkshire.

Sadly, there are still high numbers of children and young people across the UK who are affected by child abuse and NSPCC research shows that on average, at least two children in every primary classroom will have suffered some form of abuse or neglect*.

ChildLine is working with local schools across the country to help protect the future generation and has launched the Now I Know appeal, which will put ChildLine in all of the 291 primary schools in Berkshire. Visiting 9 to 11 year olds, the team will help to educate children about abuse and how to protect themselves, using age appropriate assemblies and workshops.

Local volunteers from the NSPCC Cookham fundraising group (pictured) have already helped to kick start the appeal with a £5,000 contribution from their Dinner & Caberet evening in November at The Odney Club.

NSPCC head of regional fundraising, Christian Morris, said: 'Imagine a generation of children who have the knowledge to prevent abuse - we believe it's possible. With your support, we can make it happen, one primary school at a time. The ChildLine Schools Service will give children the knowledge to prevent abuse from happening and we really hope that everyone across Berkshire will get behind the Now I Know appeal to help fund that vital work in this area.'

Christian continued: 'There are so many ways that people can get involved, and whether you’re an individual, part of a group or a local business, we would love to hear from you. We can give you plenty of support with any fundraising and provide you with all the materials you need to get started, so please get involved and help us to protect a generation of local children.'

£12 raised will reach one child, £400 will help the ChildLine Schools Service talk to one classroom of primary children, and £800 can help the team visit one local school.

To find out more about the Now I Know appeal and how you can support it, email fiona.turner@nspcc.org.uk or call 020 7650 3270 (local rate number).

To donate, please visit www.justgiving.com/BerkshireAppeal

*Child abuse and neglect in the UK today (2011); Radford et al.