THE i360 will be lit up green tonight as part of an appeal to raise funds for vulnerable children this Christmas.

It comes as the NSPCC hold a walk to help support young people during the festive period.

The charity 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.

The Walk For Children is part of this appeal and will see people across the country take to the streets and walk 5km.

A number of landmarks around the UK will be illuminated in the charity's trademark shade of green.

This includes the i360 in Brighton and Lancing College Chapel.

A spokesman from British Airways i360 said: “We’re pleased to support NSPCC’s Walk for Children Christmas campaign by lighting our viewing pod green on December 21, hopefully encouraging conversations and raising awareness of this worthwhile cause.”

The landmarks will represent the "beacon of light" provided by the charity's Childline.

This services allows children to ring counsellors who provide support "in their darkest times".

A Lancing College spokesman said: “We are delighted that on December 21 – the longest night of the year – we will be lighting the chapel green to continue to show our longstanding support for the NSPCC, and to highlight the NSPCC’s Walk for Children taking place that night to raise funds to help vulnerable children suffering abuse over the Christmas season.”

The Argus: This is Lancing College's first year taking part for the NSPCC - here is what it will look like.

Christmas can be a very challenging time for children who suffer from abuse, neglect and are struggling with their mental health, says the charity.

December 2020 saw Childline deliver a record number of counselling sessions for a single month.

Kate Hershkowitz, the NSPCC’s supporter fundraising manager for the South East said: “Thank you so much to British Airways i360 and Lancing College Chapel for lighting your beautiful buildings NSPCC green for us this year.

"If you live nearby and haven’t yet signed up for our Walk for Children, there’s still time.

“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 the BA i360 and Lancing College for raising awareness of this.”

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

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

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

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