NSPCC Hall of Fame [6th December 2007]

[6th December 2007]

This report was written by Anna McDermott for the NSPCC Celebrity Hall of Fame.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children was established in 1884. It aim is simple: to end child abuse. The NSPCC focuses on working directly with children and families involved in child abuse. On a wider scale they put their influence into changing policy, behaviour, and legislation.
This reception was to celebrate certain celebrity figures who have openly voiced their support of NSPCC. Such celebrities awarded included Dame Judi Dench, Deal or No Deal’s Noel Edmonds, superbike champion Carl Fogarty, and acclaimed author Torey Hayden. Sadly, Dame Judi Dench and Noel Edmonds were not able to be present to receive their awards because of filming commitments.
Torey Hayden’s speech began memorably by saying she wished that the NSPCC did not exist; indeed that child abuse did not exist. This moment captured into words the overall essence of the organisation.
The NSPCC has brilliantly used everything from celebrities, to government, to education, to television campaigns and spokespeople in order to get more information out.
Along with all the work the NSPCC is doing now to educate the public, there could be more done within schools. An annual in-class project focused, albeit delicately and appropriately, around parent relationships could bring more desperate cases to teacher’s attention. A short book and small activity pamphlet published by the NSPCC and approved by the Department of Education could provide opportunities for children to talk about things that may be difficult for them to broach themselves.