Letters to the Editor:- "Thanks from the NSPCC"

"I would like to say a personal thank you to all of your readers of Southport and Mersey Reporter and our supporters in the Merseyside area who have helped support the NSPCC throughout 2013. Another year that has seen many high profile child abuse cases and shocking stories of cruelty so severe they've resulted in the deaths of innocent children; often at the hands of those who were supposed to protect them. No one can forget the faces of little Daniel Pelka, Hamzah Khan and Keanu Williams following their tragic deaths. This is a clear indication that whilst the shocking scale and effect of child abuse have moved centre stage in the public consciousness, still more needs to be done to prevent it from happening in the 1st place, which is why the NSPCC needs your readers' continued support. But a huge amount was achieved over the year thanks to your generous readers. Child protection workers at the NSPCC's helpline have helped protect more children than ever before by providing information from members of the public concerned about a child to the police or social services or giving advice and support. My message to all of your readers would be that the NSPCC's helpline is there 24/7 if you have concerns about a child; we all have a responsibility to help keep children safe, so please don't wait until it's too late; give us a call on:- 0808 800 5000 or via email. Please don't forget, that although Christmas is a magical time of year for most children, sadly there are some for whom it can be an incredibly difficult and lonely time. This December, ChildLine counsellors will be on hand 24 hours a day, every day over the holiday period to provide counselling sessions, both online and on the telephone to children and young people across the UK. Last December, children contacted ChildLine about a range of problems, including bullying and family relationships, which could be anything from worries relating to parents separating to arguments with family members and wanting to leave home or go into care. We've made significant strides to help children this year, and this is all thanks to people like you and your readers. Without your support, our work stops. On behalf of all the children and young people that we are able to help, thank you. Please support us again in 2014 if you can. To make a donation text HOPE to:- 70744 to give £4 or:- visit:- nspcc.org.uk." Helen Gazzola, NSPCC Community Fundraising Manager, Southport.