Peterborough business support group tackles neglect

But, for every case that is covered in the media, it is almost certain that many more go unreported – say the NSPCC, leaving hundreds more children to suffer in silence.

In 2014/15, 1,261 children in Greater Peterborough were supported by the NSPCC following abuse or neglect.

Almost 240 are currently subject to child protection plans and 365 are supported within the childcare system.

While the figures are startling, the vital work of the NSPCC locally continues – thanks to ongoing fund raising by groups like the Peterborough Business Support Group.

Over the past 20 years, the group (made up largely of prominent city business people and other supporters) has raised an amazing £750,000.

The funds have helped the NSPCC in providing support for neglected, vulnerable and abused children and young people through its national helplines and through help and treatment available to youngsters at the Peterborough Children’s Centre.

The PBSG stages a number of events in the city each year, ranging from quizzes and golf days to the very popular charity family bike ride.

The date for the 2016 cycle ride which takes place at Rutland Water is Sunday June 5, with organisers aiming to top the number of last year’s 120 participants who used pedal power to raise vital funds to help vulnerable children locally.

NSPCC Peterborough Business Support Group chairman Chris Collier said: “The bike ride is one of the most important and popular events in our fund raising calendar and we hope as many people as possible will join us for a great family day out.

“In taking part in the bike ride, they are helping us to support the crucial work of the NSPCC in and around the Peterborough area, where hundreds of vulnerable children and young people are in need of the services the charity provides. Some of the stories we have heard are truly heartbreaking but amazing work is being done locally to help and support vulnerable children and their families. That is our motivation.”

About the NSPCC sponsored cycle ride:

- The ride starts from 9.00am at Rutland Water on Sunday June 5 and follows the 17-mile perimeter of the famous reservoir.

- There will be a free hog roast for all entrants,

- A complimentary goodie bag and T-shirt will be provided for all riders.

- Entry is £10 adults/ £5 children and £25 for a family.

- To find our more visit www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/rutland-water-family-bike-ride- 2016-tickets-21058428326

- The event is once again being sponsored by Buckles Solicitors LLP.

Did you know: (approved figures from February 2016)

- During 2014/15 Childline estimates that around 10,000 calls were made to the charity’s counsellors from PE postcodes.

- The NSPCC estimates that more than half a million vulnerable children suffer abuse or neglect in the UK each year.

- On average, every week in the UK, at least one child is killed at the hands of another person.

- One in four children in the UK have been physically abused.

- Around 50,000 offenders in the UK have downloaded and shared child abuse images.

- Around one in five children in the UK have been exposed to domestic violence.

- In the average primary school class in the UK, at least two children have suffered abuse or neglect.

- Over 40 per cent of looked after children in the UK are aged under 10.