Strule Arts Centre to light up green NSPCC’s appeal

STRULE Arts Centre will be lit up green to support the NSPCC as child cruelty and neglect offences in Northern Ireland increase by 22 percent this year alone. 

On Monday December 7, along with several buildings across Northern Ireland, Strule Arts Centre in Omagh will be illuminated in the charity’s distinctive green colour as part of the NSPCC Northern Ireland’s Here for Children Christmas Appeal.

In Northern Ireland, in 2019/20, there were 605 offences which is more than three times the total in 2013/14 which was 184.

The NSPCC also examined the number of offences that took place in the first three months of the spring lockdown and found that 5,476 child cruelty and neglect offences were recorded by police, across the UK, from 1st April 1 to 30th June this year.

In Northern Ireland, where the PSNI provided data to the NSPCC on request, during the same period there were 109 offences.

The charity has also launched a new TV appeal which depicts some of the heart-breaking abuse contacts the NSPCC run service Childline expects to take in the Christmas holidays. Unfortunately, one in three calls to our Childline service will go unanswered. That’s why every penny raised is so vital.

As part of its new appeal, the charity is calling on the public to donate £20 to the NSPCC so that services like Childline can be here for children this Christmas.

Joanne McMaster, NSPCC Supporter Fundraising Manager for Northern Ireland, said, “The pandemic is the greatest challenge we’ve faced in decades and we’re extremely grateful to Fermanagh and Omagh District Council who will be turning Strule Arts Centre in Omagh green to help raise awareness of the NSPCC’s Here for Children Christmas Appeal.

“Unfortunately, during the spring lockdown, 50 children a day across the UK turned to Childline after suffering abuse and neglect. Thousands more children will suffer over the Christmas holidays, and Childline may be the only place they can turn which means it is more crucial than ever to donate if you can this year. We appreciate every penny.”

To donate this Christmas, please visit: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/ways-to-give/donate/