Local MP Sheryll Murray joined TV celebrity Esther Rantzen in Parliament to celebrate 30 years of Childline. ChildLine was launched in 1986 after Esther Rantzen suggested it whilst being the host of the ‘That’s Life’ TV programme.
The event had been organised to raise awareness of the service which is now run by the National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children. At the event it was highlighted that ChildLine was no longer just a number and that more online communication methods were now being used.
Dame Esther Rantzen explained, "These days, with sexual abuse, past and present, regularly making headlines it is almost impossible to recall that thirty years ago child abuse was such a taboo subject that children were imprisoned in silence, unable to ask for help. The launch of ChildLine on the BBC programme Childwatch in 1986 sent a seismic shock through the nation, and was blamed by some professionals, and some critics, for bringing to public attention the prevalence of child abuse and neglect. It was a very alarming message. But I believe the only way to solve a problem is first to recognize that it exists, and the creation of ChildLine gave permission to children to speak out for the first time. I regularly meet people who take me to one side to say quietly: ‘I only wish ChildLine had been there for me when I was a child.’”
Following the event Sheryll said, “ChildLine is such an important service and I would like to thank all the volunteers, donators and staff who have made it all possible. I was pleased to have the opportunity to thank Esther Rantzen personally at this event for all she has done. This confidential service, which has been there for so many children, is giving them somewhere to turn to when they need it the most.”
The full ChildLine service and the way to contact them is at www.childline.org.uk