Landmarks in Kent will be turning green tonight to raise awareness of the additional challenges children who suffer from abuse and neglect face at Christmas.

Rochester Cathedral, Gravesend Clock Tower, Maidstone Town Hall and the new Maidstone Bus Station will shine green in support of the NSPCC's Here For Children campaign.

Tonight, the longest night of the year, hundreds of people will take part in the 5km Walk For Children to support the charity.

Landmarks across the UK, including Battersea Power Station and Alexandra Palace, are also supporting the charity by turning the NSPCC’s trademark green colour.

The lights represent the hard-working Childline counsellors who are there for children, offering a beacon of light in their darkest times.

One in five children in the UK have suffered abuse and this Christmas thousands of children will call Childline and talk about their fears.

December 2020 saw Childline deliver a record number of counselling sessions about loneliness for a single month, with the service delivering nearly 600 in December alone. Loneliness is particularly affecting younger children.

In 2020/21, there was a 47% increase in counselling sessions with children aged 11 and under when compared to the year before.

Christmas can be a very challenging time for children who suffer from abuse, neglect and are struggling with their mental health. Cut off from school and other support, it is vital they have somewhere to turn.

The NSPCC is reaching out to the public to support its Here for Children Appeal and make a donation, so Childline counsellors can answer a child’s call for help this Christmas.

Michele Baxter, the NSPCC’s community fundraising manager for Kent, said: “Thank you so much to Rochester Cathedral, Gravesham Borough Council, Maidstone Council and The Mall Maidstone for lighting up your buildings NSPCC green this year.

“The festive period can be especially difficult for children who are struggling with their mental health or are in homes that are unsafe.

"Given the impact of the pandemic, it is no surprise that this year we’ve seen record numbers of children get in touch with us about loneliness.

“Our Childline service will be running every day over the Christmas holidays, and we thank Rochester Cathedral, Gravesham Borough Council, Maidstone Council and The Mall Maidstone for raising awareness of this.”

Gavin Cockayne, general manager for the Mall Maidstone, said: “The Mall Maidstone is proud to support the NSPCC’s Walk for Children. We will be turning the bus station lights green to help encourage people to sign up and take part.”

Cllr David Burton, leader of Maidstone Borough Council, said: “This charity walk is an opportunity for us all to think about those children who need to be protected, especially at Christmas time. It is an honour to be able to light up Maidstone Town Hall green in support of the NSPCC and the great work they do for children who need help.”

Cllr Shane Mochrie-Cox, Gravesham council’s cabinet member for community and leisure, said: “It’s fantastic that our clock tower will be going green in support of the NSPCC, along with many other landmarks around the country.

“I hope it inspires local people to sign up for the Walk for Children, which is a really good cause and comes at a time of year when we should all be sparing a thought for those less fortunate than ourselves.”

Adults worried about a child’s welfare can call the NSPCC’s Helpline 24/7 on 0808 800 5000.

Children and young people can call Childline on 0800 1111 or visit www.childline.org.uk