NSPCC Number Day helps to face up to challenges

Children’s lives over the past year have been turned upside due to the challenges posed by the Coronavirus pandemic with many spending extended periods of time out of school and behind closed doors.

The NSPCC’s Childline service has heard from thousands of children who have found this time really challenging. Some have felt overwhelmed with home schooling and struggled to access their learning due to a lack of technology, whilst others have missed their friends and family and many have seen their mental health deteriorate.

The NSPCC and Childline adapted during the pandemic so their frontline staff could continue to be available as vital listening ear and as source of support for those children who felt like they had no- where else to turn.

With most children now back at school, it remains vital that they are still here to support those who are struggling with the impact that the pandemic has had on them.

Although some will be really pleased to be back at school, others may be finding it difficult for many reasons and it’s essential those children get the support they need.

To help the NSPCC be for children and to remind them that Childline is a source of support that they can turn to, they are encouraging schools across the country to get involved in the NSPCC’s Number Day.

This annual fundraising day which is based around fun maths activities will take place in primary and secondary schools across the country on 7 May in aid of the children’s charity.

As part of the day, schools can sign up to enjoy puzzles, games and challenges which can be completed in COVID-19 secure class bubbles whilst raising vital funds.

The activities differ dependant on what key stage it is for and teachers will also be provided with resources including information on supporting school’s safeguarding and online safety quizzes suitable for children of all ages.

This year the NSPCC has created a new game called Buddy’s Key Challenge where pupils can complete maths puzzles to create a key which can unlock a door so the charity’s mascot Buddy can visit your school.

After being stuck indoors for a long time, they hope Number Day will provide children and teachers a fun filled educational day to look forward to.

It’s now more essential than ever that children aren’t left alone, isolated and unsupported with their worries and the money raised from Number Day will help the NSPCC in its mission to make 2021 a better year for children.

To sign up, all you need to do is visit the NSPCC’s website and search for Number Day and fill in your school’s details using the registration form.

The NSPCC also encourage all those schools interested in taking part to remind their pupils that if there is anything that is worrying or upsetting them that Childline is here and that no worry is ever to small.

Children can call Childline on 0800 111 or visit childline.org.uk for further help and support.