Rantzen to introduce ChildLine’s carol event

Dec 10 2007 by Vicky Anderson, Liverpool Daily Post

A CANDLELIGHT carol concert in aid of the NSPCC takes place at Liverpool Cathedral tomorrow night.

Eurovision singer Dana and ChildLine founder Esther Rantzen will appear at the event, to raise money for the ChildLine helpline, as the charity revealed how hundreds of young people get in contact over the festive season with family problems.

ChildLine, a free and confidential helpline for young callers across the UK, reveals that of the 4,700 children counselled nationally between Christmas Eve, 2006, and January 5, 2007, more than 600 callers phoned with concerns about family relationships, with the majority of calls taken on Christmas Day being about the subject.Š

Other calls taken during the festive period by trained volunteer counsellors focused on loneliness, bullying, and physical and sexual abuse.Š

Mark Tobin, ChildLine services manager, said: “We all think of Christmas as a joyful time for everyone to get together with their families.Š

“It is very easy to forget there are many families out there who find Christmas a time of great stress.ŠIt is sad to think there will be children this year who are feeling so lonely on Christmas Day that the only way they can talk to about family Problems is by calling ChildLine.Š

“We mustn’t forget as well that there are many who don’t get through to ChildLine as a lack of funds means that we are unable to answer every call.

“I want to ask all Liverpudlians to remember a very important Christmas message, that amongst all the celebrations this is also a time for thinking about children across Merseyside who are desperately in need of help.ŠOne way for people to show their support is to come along to Carols by Candlelight.”

Dana, winner of the 1970 Eurovision song contest and a former-MEP, will be performing a song from her latest album as well as giving a rendition of Silent Night.

Esther Rantzen will be giving a speech of welcome.Š

Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. Tickets are £6 for adult, and £3 for OAPs and children.ŠŠ

All money raised will go to ChildLine, ahead of the opening of its new Liverpool base in the New Year.

Housed in the NSPCC Hargreaves Centre, on Great Homer Street, the centre has been funded by the people of Merseyside through the Safe Place Appeal, supported by the Liverpool Daily Post.Š

vickyanderson