Our national charity partnership with the NSPCC – making every child heard
We’re proud to have been partnered with the NSPCC (National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) since 2017, raising over £10 million to date with our customers’ support!
In the first five years of our partnership (2017 to 2022), we raised £5 million for the NSPCC’s essential services, including:
- £3 million in the first three years, enabling the NSPCC to reach 1 million children as part of its ‘Speak out. Stay safe.’ programme. This vital initiative educates primary school pupils about different types of abuse and how to get help if or when they need it.
- £2 million for the life-saving Childline service - a free, confidential service, available 24/7 to provide support to children and young people in the UK.
From 2022 to 2025, we raised an additional £5 million for Childline, with a focus on supporting children and young people with their mental health by providing a place for them to turn - whatever difficulty they’re facing.
Looking to the future
Thank you to all our customers and colleagues who have helped us raise £10 million since 2017. We’re delighted to have now extended our partnership and aim to raise a further £5 million by 2030 for the NSPCC’s Childline service. On average, a child contacts Childline every 45 seconds, with mental and emotional health the top concern raised. By working together, we can make sure young people always have someone to talk to.
The team at Lidl will be taking on a number of fundraising challenges throughout the year - look out for more info in our stores!
FIND OUT MORE
Watch the video below to learn about the NSPCC’s Childline service and read more here.
CALM ZONE
As well as lots of advice and tips to support young people with their mental health, Childline has created a dedicated hub with useful tools for children and young people who are feeling anxious, scared, or sad. Their online resources include breathing exercises, activities, games, and videos to help visitors let go of stress.
Explore Childline’s Calm Zone.
VOLUNTEERS
The NSPCC wouldn’t be able to run Childline without the amazing efforts of Childline volunteers. We spoke to Neil, a volunteer counsellor from Birmingham, about his experience.
When Neil signed up to be a Childline volunteer, he never dreamt he’d still be doing it nearly 12 years later. “It’s taught me a lot about the kind of person I am,” he says. “And I really think in many ways it’s made me a better one.” He’s just one of hundreds of trained volunteers who provide confidential support to children day and night, seven days a week. Shifts can be difficult, whether taking calls or having private web chats, but they’re always rewarding: “We can help give children hope, a feeling of being listened to,” says Neil.
The pandemic changed life and routines for young people beyond all recognition, and for those children who don’t feel comfortable or safe within their own homes, things have been particularly difficult. “We’ve found that many young people have been calling us feeling sad and overwhelmed, like they’ve lost an element of control,” says Neil.
All volunteers receive thorough training, and are supported before, during and after every shift. “We volunteers come from all walks of life, but we all share a common goal: to do the best for young people,” says Neil. Through our pledge to raise a further £1 million for Childline, we can help the NSPCC recruit and train 937 more volunteers. “This money will make an incredible difference,” Neil says, “From providing online support and resources, to supporting 77,000 counselling sessions, Lidl’s donation will help us be there for every child who needs us.”
To find out more about becoming a Childline counsellor, click here
Beth's 5K Everyday
Beth Grundy, Regional Sales Team Manager in Runcorn, is taking on an epic challenge to raise money for the NSPCC – she's running 5K every single day for an entire year. Beth began this challenge from her home in Manchester on 1 September 2024 and will finish at the same place on the same date in 2025. We’re with you all the way Beth!
Murray and Team's Monro Trek
Area Manager Murray and his team of store managers climbed up one of the Munros in Scotland – a big challenge, especially with the ever-changing climate! Our six intrepid colleagues completed their climb of Schiehallion on 23 August and raised an incredible £1956.50 – you rock!