NSPCC hubs across the UK have received more than 37,000 free books to share with partner agencies and families in time for Christmas as part of a new partnership with the UK’s largest children’s reading charity.

BookTrust, which offers books and resources to families to help parents and children discover the magic of reading together, has shared just over 37,400 books across 23 settings belonging to the NSPCC and its partners.

Titles include Mirror Baby: Hello You!, Can You Say It Too? Woof! Woof!, and Welsh English bilingual editions of Finger Wiggle Book: Look at Me.

Helen Westerman, Head of Local Campaigns for the NSPCC, said that reading helped boost children’s creativity; reading with young children helped build bonds; and the NSPCC’s Childline service had heard from children who found solace in books.

(Image: NSPCC)

One primary-age girl who contacted Childline told a counsellor: “I’m so self-conscious of how I look, my personality, what people think about me. It makes me feel anxious. I know everyone is different, but I feel different in a bad way. Reading and drawing are my ways to escape.”

Helen said: “Our campaigns like Look, Say, Sing, Play, which gives advice on interacting with little ones, and services such as Pregnancy in Mind that helps improve the mental health of parents-to-be, emphasise that building strong bonds between parents and helps children’s brain development.

“These books will make a real difference to the families we work with in our hubs and will also be available to our local partners to distribute to parents and children in coming weeks.”

Julie Hayward, Director of Partnerships at BookTrust, said: “Reading together early in life helps nurture a love of books and storytelling, which gives access to the life-changing benefits of reading. It’s vital all children have access to stories, whatever their background.

“We are proud to be working with NSPCC and other partners to deliver books this festive season and we hope families everywhere will enjoy some magical reading time this Christmas.”

To find out more about the NSPCC services, visit www.nspcc.org.uk and to find out more or donate to BookTrust go to www.booktrust.org.uk

Schools urged to sign up to Number Day

Schools across the UK are being urged to sign up now to a mathemagical fundraiser in 2025 to support the NSPCC.

Number Day is one of the children’s charity’s main annual fundraisers and will celebrate its 25th anniversary on February 7 next year.

By encouraging children at nurseries and primary schools everywhere to take part in fun, free maths-related games and activities, Number Day aims to get classrooms across the country involved with learning and fundraising.

The 2025 appeal was launched by HRH Sophie, The Duchess of Edinburgh, and financial expert and TV personality Emmanuel Asuquo.

Sir Peter Wanless, CEO of the NSPCC, said: “Number Day – which has raised over £3.8 million since its inception – is a great way for children to raise funds for NSPCC services, be creative with mathematics and, most importantly, have plenty of fun. 

"We look forward to seeing how creative schools will be in 2025, which we hope will be bigger and better than ever before.”

Free resources are already available to teachers at www.nspcc.org.uk/NumberDay

Young people urged to help shape the NSPCC in 2025

Applications are now open for the NSPCC’s next Young People’s Board for Change.

The group of 15 young people from across the country share their ideas and help advise the children’s charity on what matters most to them.

Anyone aged 13 to 16 can apply to join the board, which this year visited Parliament and Party Conferences, ensuring children’s voices were heard by policymakers, and were at the forefront of national campaigns.

If you know a young person who would like to apply or find out more, visit www.nspcc.org.uk/boardforchange or email participationteam@nspcc.org.uk.

Laura Graham, NSPCC Participation Team Manager, said: “The Young People’s Board for Change is hugely important.

"Their guidance helps to ensure we are always listening to children and acting in their best interests, but the role can also help young people directly.

“Board members speak at national NSPCC meetings, meet others who want to make a difference and help make change happen.

"This role helps them develop confidence and amazing skills for the future, and we are already looking forward to meeting the next line-up of enthusiastic young people.”