NSPCC assistant director for North East, Yorkshire and Humber Debra Radford talks about a fundraising walk for children.

You’ve probably heard it every day for a few weeks now, but the nights are really coming in early, aren’t they?

Some people find comfort in the longer winter evenings, but for many children and young people the darkness means they’re unable to leave their homes as much as they would like to.

Sadly, for many children, home isn’t a safe place, and this time of year could put them at greater risk of neglect or abuse, as their time away from home is limited.

The NSPCC prides itself on being a beacon of light for these young people. It’s thanks to the wonderful efforts of our staff, volunteers and supporters that we can be there for children who are experiencing their darkest hours, and that’s why we’re marking the longest night of the year – December 21 – with our Walk For Children.

The idea is simple. Anyone who wants to take part can register online at www.nspcc.org.uk by themselves or, even better, with a group of friends, and pledge to walk five kilometres (just over three miles), in their local area on December 21.

You can choose your own route, and if December 21 isn’t convenient, you can even change the date. The important thing to remember is that by signing up and being sponsored to take part, you can help ensure the NSPCC and Childline can be there for children throughout the winter and beyond.

But it gets better. We launched the Walk For Children last Christmas with a small pilot, and this year, we’re taking it to another level by illuminating landmarks and buildings across Yorkshire and around the country to accompany the event.

The landmarks turning green represents the hardworking Childline staff and volunteers who are there for children 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to offer advice and support when young people have nowhere else to turn.

For children facing abuse, the winter nights are dark, long and lonely – when worries loom larger than ever. Especially during the Christmas holidays when, without the supportive environment of school, it can feel like there’s nowhere to turn. Children shouldn’t have to cope alone. They need to know that we’re here for them, on the darkest nights, the coldest mornings, and even on Christmas Day.

Childline delivered just over 6,000 counselling sessions over Christmas last year, and the top concern for children contacting our specially trained counsellors was mental or emotional health. We don’t know for sure how many calls, emails and messages we’ll receive this Christmas, but it’s vital that we’re here, ready to listen and support children when they need our help.

The Walk For Children is just one way to support the NSPCC this Christmas, but it’s also a great opportunity to get together with a group of friends or family members this festive period and make a night of it – you could dress up with Santa hats and reindeer antlers, end the walk with dinner or drinks, or just take an opportunity to catch up this December.

It’s vital to remember that every pound raised for the NSPCC will help children in Yorkshire and across the UK. Every £4 could pay for one of our trained volunteer counsellors to answer a child’s call for help to Childline; £27 could pay for a Childline supervisor for one hour to support our volunteers; while £100 could pay for our counsellors to answer up to 25 calls for help from children this Christmas.

To sign up for Walk for Children and find out if a building in your area is turning green search for NSPCC Walk For Children.