BRADFORD'S City Hall has joined dozens of landmarks across the UK in lighting up green today, in support of the NSPCC’s Christmas appeal.

The NSPCC has spoken of how Christmas is often a difficult time for children who may be suffering abuse, neglect or mental health difficulties, with the impact of the coronavirus pandemic expected to put even more children at risk this year.

By lighting up sites across the country in the run-up to the festive period, the NSPCC wants to remind the public that the charity is here for children, whenever they need support.

City Hall joins sites across the UK in lighting up green, including the North East’s Tyne Bridge, York Bar Walls, Cardiff Castle, Alexandra Palace and Battersea Power Station.

Elaine Kaye, Community Fundraising Manager for the NSPCC, said: “It’s really terrific to see Bradford City Hall go green for us this year, it really looks amazing and serves as a reminder that the NSPCC is here for children, like a beacon of light at what can be a dark time of year.

“For thousands of children, being stuck at home for the holidays is a terrifying thought – and they urgently need their voices to be heard. We’re here for children this Christmas, protecting them from abuse and supporting them when they feel like they have nowhere else to turn. On the phone, online, wherever they need us to be, the NSPCC is here.”

Councillor Adrian Farley, Bradford Council’s Executive Member for Children and Families, said: “We are pleased to be able to support the NSPCC campaign and help to highlight it at such an important time, possibly this year more than any other for children and young people who need our support and help.”

Since lockdown began, Childline counsellors have delivered almost 43,000 sessions to young people concerned about their mental or emotional health, experiencing loneliness and low self-esteem, and as the pandemic continues, it continues to hear from children who are struggling.

Last year, there were 6,566 Childline counselling sessions between December 24, 2019 and January 4, 2020, with a 26 per cent increase in counselling sessions about suicidal thoughts and feelings compared to the previous Christmas.

The NSPCC has called on the public to donate whatever they can, because every donation helps to make sure children have someone to hear their troubles.

To find out how you can support the NSPCC this Christmas, visit www.nspcc.org.uk