Make this New Year a new beginning for vulnerable children urges NSPCC

Whether it’s time or money you have to spare – no matter how much or how little – you can help make a fundamental difference to the lives of children and young people in Northern Ireland.

The NSPCC is looking for volunteers for five key areas of work, which include manning the ChildLine helpline, supporting young witnesses in court, giving presentations to primary school pupils to educate them about keeping safe messages, helping with fundraising events, and giving information to midwives for a programme to protect newborns. Neil Anderson, head of the NSPCC in Northern Ireland, said that everyone has something to contribute to the charity’s fight against child abuse: “No matter how much time or experience you have, we have a volunteering opportunity to suit everyone. We would encourage anyone who is interested in volunteering, whether to fill some free time or to get experience in a chosen field, to put finding out more about our work to the top of their New Year agenda.

“If volunteering isn’t for you, there are still lots of ways you can play a part in our work here. We’d love to help you organise a fundraising event in your local community or even at work, support you in tackling Mont Blanc or Everest, or cheer you on in the Belfast Marathon or our Hike Against Cruelty to Kids in the Mournes.

“There are so many ways you can help us to help more children and young people in 2013. Please take some time to visit our website and check out the range of different opportunities. There really is something for everyone, no matter how much or little time or money you can spare.”

For further details about volunteering please visit the NSPCC website.