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Why Rochester Cathedral, Gravesend Clock Tower and Maidstone County Hall will be lit green this Friday

Three Kent landmarks will be lit up this week in the flagship colour of a child cruelty prevention charity.

Rochester Cathedral, Gravesend Clock Tower and Maidstone County Hall will turn green as a reminder of the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) helpline.

Gravesend Clock Tower will be lit green. Picture: NSPCC
Gravesend Clock Tower will be lit green. Picture: NSPCC

Childline offers counselling support to young people who are victims of child abuse.

Service director Shaun Friel said: “At Childline, our trained counsellors know that sadly not every child feels happy over the Christmas period.

“With schools closed and children having limited access to wider support networks, we know for those who are struggling that Childline can be a lifeline.”

The charity will be providing round-the-clock support during the festive season via phone, email and online chat.

The green will be a reminder of support service, Childline. Picture: NSPCC
The green will be a reminder of support service, Childline. Picture: NSPCC

According to NSPCC, children spending an extended amount of time at home with family can cause tensions or amplify existing issues.

These situations can leave many children feeling upset and isolated.

Last year, the service delivered on average 450 counselling sessions a day between December 24 to January 4, an increase from 2021.

Hollie Evans, from Dartford, says she called the hotline a few years ago and it saved her life.

County Hall in Maidstone is one of the landmarks that will be lit up
County Hall in Maidstone is one of the landmarks that will be lit up

She said: “If I hadn’t called Childline there is a chance I wouldn’t be here today and I would never have had another Christmas.

“I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given – thank you.”

The county landmarks, along with more across the UK, will turn green as a visual reminder that Childline is there for young people this Christmas.

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