Last chance to nominate – BT ChildLine Award deadline extended
| Published: 6th March 2007 13:00 |
ChildLine, the UK’s free, 24-hour helpline for children, is giving young people an extra week to put the spotlight on their own everyday heroes by nominating them for the BT ChildLine Awards 2007.
Children have till Monday 12 March to nominate those adults who go that extra mile to make a real difference to the lives of young people.
The awards, sponsored by BT since 1990 and part of its work with ChildLine - one of the NSPCC’s listening services, are a unique opportunity for children to say thank you to unsung adult heroes; from teachers to youth group leaders and child minders to charity fundraisers, anyone who is doing that something extra to improve young people's lives. Children can nominate foster parents (although other close family members are not eligible) and ChildLine also wants to hear from parents or carers on behalf of children who, through illness or disability, are unable to make their own nominations.
This year, children nominating their everyday superhero for a BT ChildLine Award are also invited to name the celebrity they think has made the greatest contribution to the lives of young people. Last year Thierry Henry and Jamie Oliver were both presented with awards for services to children for work on stamping out racism and bullying and campaigning for healthy school dinners respectively.
Jacqueline Wilson OBE was the first famous adult to be chosen for a special BT ChildLine Award in 2004, in recognition of the way her writing has given millions of children and young people a unique insight into challenging subjects.
Since winning her BT ChildLine Award in 2004, Jacqueline continued her support of ChildLine by joining the judges of the 2006 Awards and will be judging the awards again in 2007. Jacqueline said of her involvement: “I am delighted to be back judging the BT ChildLine Awards. It gives me great pleasure to see the work that is being done to make children and young people happier, safer and more confident. I look forward to meeting this year’s superheroes.”
2/3: ChildLine calls for everyday superheroes
Revealing the identity of a real-life superhero is easy. Children can either enter online at www.childline.org.uk or write to BT ChildLine Awards, Freepost NATN1111, London E1 6BR for an entry form. Completed forms should be returned, along with a letter explaining why the nominated adult is so special - before the closing date of 12 March 2007. The winners will be announced in June and invited to a glittering awards ceremony at the BT Tower in London to receive their BT ChildLine Award - as well as a cash prize to donate to a charity of their choice!
Beth Courtier, head of Charity Programmes at BT, said: “The BT ChildLine Awards highlight the wonderful benefits for individuals and society when adults really listen and understand children. We're committed to ensuring that every child's voice is heard, which is why we work so closely with ChildLine.”
So what are you waiting for? If you know a secret superhero, get your nomination in to the BT ChildLine Awards today!
Ends
Media office on 020 7825 2604 out of hours mobile 07976 206 625.
Media enquiries:
For media enquiries, pictures from last year’s awards (see below for winners’ details), a PDF of the entry form, please contact Katie Canning on 0207 825 2604.
For further information about BT’s Corporate Responsibility Programme, please call Justin McKeown at Trimedia Harrison Cowley on 0870 606 0960.
Winners from the 2006 BT ChildLine Awards
· Lynette Dyer, a swimming coach from Essex
· Rose Lopez, a teacher in London
· Toby Hewson, a young man from West Sussex who challenges attitudes to cerebral palsy by speaking at events and schools
· John Hunt, founder of Fulcrum challenge, Dorset: a charity allowing UK students to build schools for children in Africa and India
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