IT often comes as a surprise to people just how heavily the NSPCC and our Childline service relies on the public to ensure we can be there for children and young people when they need us most.

A lot of people don’t realise that public donations make up around 90per cent of our funding, and a significant amount of the work we do is carried out by specially trained volunteers.

We’ve just marked the end of Volunteers Week, celebrating the amazing work of everyone who gives time freely to help others. I’d like to take this opportunity to recognise the huge contribution of our volunteers and the difference they make to the lives of children and young people.

Our Childline volunteers listen to thousands of children every year and offer support and advice. Without these volunteer counsellors, who are often the first people these children speak to about their worries, these young people might have nowhere to turn to.

Since the start of the pandemic, volunteers at Childline bases have delivered around 90,000 counselling sessions on mental wellbeing and abuse alone, with many more calls covering every aspect of childhood. Every one of these contacts costs £4 to answer, but the value to the young person on the other end of the phone, email or online message is priceless. Our volunteers listen with compassion, empathy, and without judgement. They offer advice and support to ensure no child is forced to struggle alone.

Volunteers help in other vital ways too, educating children in schools on recognising and speaking out against abuse, sharing our campaigns on social media, and organising fundraising events. Our next major fundraiser takes place on Friday, June 11.

Childhood Day celebrates the importance of play in the lives of children and we want to bring together families, friends and colleagues for a fundraising play event of their choice. Playing can boost mental and emotional wellbeing and is a vital part of a healthy childhood. Since the start of the pandemic, Childline has delivered more than 73,000 counselling sessions to children and young people about mental or emotional health.

As lockdown restrictions ease, and we look forward to a brighter summer, we could all use a little more play, and that’s what Childhood Day is all about. We’re inviting everyone in Bradford to play, raise money, and help keep children safe. Whether you organise a kickabout in the park or online gaming sessions with friends, every pound raised will help us be there for children and young people when they need us most.

* Find out how to volunteer or download a free fundraising pack and play ideas at nspcc.org.uk.

And remember - however you play this Childhood Day, you’ll be playing a part in supporting young people.