Join us on Thursday 17 December at the magnificent St Paul’s Cathedral for a carol concert to celebrate 40 years of Childline.
This enchanting Christmas event will feature readings by some of the UK’s best-loved celebrities and music by world-famous performers, in one of London’s most beautiful settings. It promises to be an extraordinary evening in aid of a vital cause.
When Esther Rantzen launched Childline on 30 October 1986, it received an astonishing 50,000 attempted calls. Childline now operates in 12 UK bases, and the helpline model has been replicated in 150 countries.
Today, a child contacts Childline every 45 seconds on average. Over six million in-depth counselling sessions have taken place since 1986. And, since Childline’s 30th birthday in 2016, we’ve delivered more than 1.5 million counselling sessions, supporting children in their darkest moments.
Esther’s daughter, Rebecca Wilcox, was only six years old when Childline was launched. Now, she’s taking the reins from Esther to carry out her mother’s vision for the service in the coming decades.
So let’s raise a glass to the past 40 years, help power the next 40, and celebrate a truly unforgettable night at this iconic London landmark. Because Childline’s more than a number, and so is every child that reaches out for help.
Reception and gala dinner
To make the night extra special, we will also be hosting an exclusive reception and gala dinner where spaces are strictly limited. Held in the grandeur of the St Paul’s Crypt where attendees will mingle with celebrity guests, the surroundings and cuisine will be equally stunning.
Tables are available from £8,000 and are on sale now. Please email ChristmasConcert@NSPCC.org.uk for more information.
Our past readers and performers
Ben Miller
Actor, comedian and author
Gwyneth Strong
Actor
Chris Harper
Actor and NSPCC supporter
Heidi Range
Singer and NSPCC Campaigner for Childhood
Ellen Williams
Award-winning classical singer
Kate Lawler
Presenter and author
Why your support matters
Half a million children suffer abuse or neglect a year in the UK. That means seven children in a classroom experience abuse before they turn 18.
- On average, a child will contact Childline every 45 seconds.
- £4 could help answer a child's call for help to Childline.
- In 2024/25, Childline delivered over 160,000 counselling sessions with children and young people.
- £197 could pay for a trained practitioner for one day, helping children get back on track following abuse.
"I want to thank Childline for saving my life. If you hadn't called me an ambulance, I don’t know what would’ve happened. I’m out of hospital now and feeling fine."
A Childline user
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