NSPCC calls on North Antrim candidates to Stand for Children

Colin Reid, Policy and Public Affairs Manager for NSPCC Northern Ireland said: “To ensure that vital child protection reforms are continued and improved funding and resources are secured, we need to have every election candidate’s commitment.

“The next elected UK Government in conjunction with the Northern Ireland Assembly will face difficult choices. In this time of reduced spending, frontline services to protect children could be cut back or frozen. Child protection needs to remain as high on the UK Governments political agenda in order to ensure that we continue to protect children”

The NSPCC’s campaign is calling on candidates to commit to a range of child protection measures including, in particular,:

* Making the internet safer for children

* Continued funding of helpline services for children and for adults concerned about the safety or welfare of a child

* Tackling domestic violence from a child's point of view.

Colin Reid said: “By signing up to our campaign, candidates in this next general election can help to keep child protection a priority. The public can play their role by letting the politicians know what they want done.

“People in in the North Antrim area can support the campaign online by sending a pre-prepared message to their local candidates, showing that they want them to put child protection at the top of their agenda. We’ve made it quick and easy to do and it’ll take just a minute of your time.”

‘Ask your local candidates to pledge: ‘I Stand for Children’ at www.istandforchildren.com’