A CHRISTMAS initiative to raise funds for a children’s charity has raised more than £10,000 since it began over 15 years ago.

Every year, a Christmas tree is decorated with baubles sponsored by individuals or businesses, through the Times, to raise money to fund the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) child protection services locally.

The lights on the tree, put up at The Wharf in Tavistock, were officially switched on on November 30 by the Mayor of Tavistock Paul Ward, and his wife Jane, watched by NSPCC staff and volunteers and Times general manager Lianne Hunt (pictured above).

Chair of Plymouth and West Devon NSPCC branch Sam Doel said: ‘The Christmas tree looks fantastic with all of its sponsored baubles.Each year the local community raises a wonderful amount for the NSPCC and we are extremely grateful to all of the sponsors who make it possible. 

‘We are delighted with the generous support of the team at the Times, Angela Court at The Wharf, the mayor and volunteers. 

We would be delighted for our fundraising group to swell in numbers. We welcome anyone keen to get involved and volunteer some time to help raise money to keep children safe. Anyone interested can contact me on 01822 853696.’

Community fundraising manager for Devon and Cornwall Alison Armer added: ‘The donations help the charity with our work protecting children, including the Speak Out Stay Safe programme we deliver in primary schools across Devon.

‘The assemblies teach children about the different kinds of abuse and helps them identify a trusted adult they can speak to should they have a worry or concern.’

In the last academic year, 100 primary schools in the Devon local authority area hosted Speak Out Stay Safe assemblies, which taught almost 15,000 children about safeguarding in a simple and interactive way.

As part of the charity’s Christmas Appeal it is shining a light on child neglect, with landmarks across the UK, including Smeaton’s Tower in Plymouth, lighting up green in support of its Light For Every Childhood appeal.People are also being encouraged to get some sparkle in their outfits with friends, family or work colleagues as part of the ‘Get Your Sparkle On’ fundraising event.

Anyone taking part is encouraged to donate £3 to the NSPCC by texting SPARKLE to 70007.

To learn more about how you can fundraise for the NSPCC or ‘Get Your Sparkle On’ this Christmas visit www.nspcc.org.uk/sparkleon or get in touch with Alison Armer on 07779 341767 or [email protected]

As an independent charity, which receives around 90% of its funding from supporters, the NSPCC relies on the support of people to make sure it can keep every child who needs the charity safe.

Every pound raised and every penny received will help make sure the NSPCC can reach more children.Last Christmas, the NSPCC helpline responded to nearly 600 contacts mentioning child neglect.

This year, its Light for Every Childhood appeal aims to raise awareness of the subject and help more children.

In 2017/18 the NSPCC helpline handled nearly 20,000 calls and emails about child neglect. In the same year, police recorded nearly 17,000 cases of parents deliberately neglecting, mistreating or assaulting their children. This number has doubled over the last five years.

Over Christmas, extended family members often contact the NSPCC’s helpline after becoming concerned about a young relative they’ve spent time with.

Last year, the charity responded to 599 contacts related to neglect between Christmas Eve and January 4, 2018.

For more information on the NSPCC, visit www.nspcc.org.uk or if you are concerned about a child, call 0808 800 5000. Children and young people can seek help by calling Childline, the NSPCC’s confidential counselling service for those aged 18 and under, on 0800 1111.

Everyone who has sponsored a bauble is listed in today’s Times edition.