NEWS EXTRA

Esther Rantzen backs helpline for adults abused during childhood

The shame of abuse in childhood never goes away - and countless adults are still haunted by the experience.

So great is the problem that a special helpline called NAPAC (The National Association for People Abused in Childhood) has been set up - and now Childline founder Esther Rantzen is launching a new fund-raising initiative for the organisation.

"It is almost 20 years since Esther Rantzen set up Childline and the organisation has received more than 1.25 million calls and letters from children - a wonderful achievement," explains NAPAC’s Peter Saunders. "But there are thousands more who, for many reasons, did not get in touch. Those children are now adults - but their shame and hurt has never gone away. We are here to help them move on with their lives."

Already, more than 20,000 calls have been made to NAPAC advisors fully conversant with issues relating to long-term child abuse.

Esther Rantzen officially launched ChariTree, the fundraising wing of NAPAC, at the Christian Resources Exhibition (CRE), Sandown Park, Esher, this week.

"There is little doubt that there are still far too many adults burdened by the effects of abuse," said Esther Rantzen. "I wholeheartedly commend the work of NAPAC and am happy to play my part in ensuring more people are helped through its important work."

Among other initiatives, Charitree will ask people to sponsor 'portable' trees which go on display at major corporate events like Ascot and Wimbledon.

"We are asking people to sponsor the journey of a tree from, say, a nursery to Ascot - at £10 per mile," explains Peter Saunders. "The tree will take pride of place in a corporate marquee. It will not only act as a talking point, but also show that the company has a heart for confronting hard-hitting issues."

* For more information on the work of NAPAC contact Peter Saunders on 0208 313 9460 or 07977 975 402, or visit the website at www.napac.org.uk

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