Latest news with #NSPCC
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- General
- Yahoo
'I Want To Tell My Parents I'm Bisexual, But I'm Scared Of What They'll Think'
Children and teens are increasingly turning to Childline for advice and support on coming out to their parents. Between 1 April 2024 and 31 March 2025, the NSPCC-led service said it delivered 2,411 counselling sessions on the topic of sexuality and gender identity. Over 40% of these counselling sessions focused on coming out, with many young people expressing their anxieties around being judged over their sexuality. Young people revealed to counsellors they're worried about their parents' reactions and being alienated from friendship groups as a result of coming out. One boy, aged 16, said: 'I want to tell my parents I'm bisexual but I'm scared of what they'll think. They come from a strict background, and I've seen them judging others for being gay. 'We're close but they don't have a clue about me. I don't want to disappoint them, I just want to be accepted for who I am.' According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), the most recent data suggests around one in 10 (10.4%) young people aged 16 to 24 years old identifies as lesbian, gay or bisexual (LGB). An NSPCC spokesperson confirmed to HuffPost UK there was a 4% increase in the number of counselling sessions focused on coming out last year, compared to the year before. Shaun Friel, Childline's director, said coming out 'remains one of the main subjects that young people want to discuss' when contacting Childline about their sexuality or gender identity. 'It is a privilege that young people turn to the service to help them navigate a pivotal and potentially difficult moment in their lives,' he said. 'This Pride Month, I want to remind all young people that Childline is here to provide a safe, confidential space where they can discuss their feelings and concerns freely.' The most important thing you can do when your child decides to come out to you is listen and not judge. As experts at NSPCC said: 'Listening can be a great way to show them that you care and help them to feel accepted. Try to let them talk at their own pace, and ask open questions without interrupting. 'If they don't want to continue the conversation, let them know that you're there for them if they want to talk again at a different time.' If you think your child might be questioning their sexuality, don't try to pressure them into talking to you about it. The charity advises simply creating a supportive environment at home, giving them space to share their feelings. This means when they do decide they want to open up, they know it's a safe space. If your child does come out to you, Jennifer Warwick, a BACP-registered counsellor, advised letting them know 'how glad and proud you are that they have come to you with this'. She also told parents to reassure their children 'that they have done the right thing in telling you'. 'Be clear that this will not in any way change how much you love them,' she told Counselling Directory. Some parents might be quick to dismiss their child's news as a 'phase', which experts strongly warn against doing. As Warwick explained: 'They have almost certainly thought long and hard about their gender identity or sexuality – let them know that you are taking them seriously.' If your child wants to come out to other people – whether that's friends or family members – parents can offer to support them. It might help to ask if there's anything you can do to make it easier for them. For example, letting certain family members know. Parents might feel a bit confused about what to do after their child has come out – and they might also have concerns. One parent revealed to YoungMinds how she didn't want to bring it up again in case her son didn't want to talk about it, but also didn't want it to seem like she didn't care. The NSPCC said parents might also be worried that being LGBTQ+ will make things harder for their child, or have concerns about them being bullied or other people reacting negatively to them coming out. It can help to do your research, as well as find support for yourselves as parents (if needed). As Warwick said: 'You might feel confused, sad or worried about them. Don't forget that you can talk about this with friends, other parents or carers and, of course, with a counsellor.' But, of course, it's crucial to respect your child's privacy and confidentiality when doing so. Young people can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or via where they can speak to a trained counsellor about any concerns they may have. The Childline website also has advice and support around sexuality and gender identity for young people. (LLGS) is a free confidential support & information helpline for LGBT communities throughout the UK | 0300 330 0630 is a free support, information and referral service for the Manchester and North-West area | 0161 235 8000 for more information on other LGBT services and helplines | 08000 502020 supports anyone affected by gender identity | 01527 894 838 offers information, support, friendship and shared experiences for young people with gender identity issues | 0208 1234819 is the largest youth and community-based organisation for LGBT people in Scotland. Text 07786 202 370 provides information for trans people, their families and professionals who care for them | 01372 801554 provides support, advice and information for anyone who knows, or is related to, a transsexual person in the UK I Hated School – Then Teachers Made An Observation That Changed My Life 'My Husband Is A Grouchy Dad And It's Exhausting. What Can I Do?' Why Are UK Teens Among World's Unhappiest? We Asked Them
Yahoo
a day ago
- General
- Yahoo
Priest jailed for historic child sex abuse
A former Catholic priest in Jersey has been jailed for five years for sexually abusing a child. Piotr Antoni Glas committed the 11 sexual abuse offences between 2004 and 2007 while he was a priest in the island. Jersey's Royal Court also gave Glas, 61, a lifelong restraining order, preventing contact with the victim, and ordered him to pay more than £12,000 towards the cost of the victim's ongoing therapy. In April, Glas was found guilty of three counts of gross indecency with a child. The court heard how Glas progressively groomed his victim before abusing his position of trust to satisfy his sexual desires. In delivering the sentence, the Deputy Bailiff Robert MacRae said it was "difficult to think of a more serious breach of trust than your offending in this case". On Monday, Crown Advocate Carla Carvalho, prosecuting, described Glas's "planned and deliberate" grooming. She said Glas started by showering the victim with gifts, building up to the point where he would invite the victim to his house before using the victim's feet to satisfy his sexual "foot fetish". Ms Carvalho also described an isolated incident where Glas wrestled with the victim, putting their face to his groin and their feet on his face. She read from a doctor's report that outlined the extreme psychological harm and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) the victim had suffered as a result of the abuse. She also said Glas had groomed the victim's family by supporting them spiritually and financially so that they trusted him "implicitly". She said Glas' elevated spiritual and social status in the church meant the victim was dismissed when they tried to raise the abuse. This meant the victim became a subject of blame which compounded their original trauma, she said. Throughout the hearing, Glas sat in the court's dock with his eyes closed, muttering under his breath. He stood with his eyes closed when his sentence was read out. Glas was also put on the sex offenders list for 10 years. In April, the Bishop of Portsmouth apologised for the abuse and pain Glas's victim had suffered. Det Con Caroline Foord said the victim had shown "immense courage" to report the abuse. She said: "Glas's behaviour was manipulative, abusing his position of trust. "As a result, his offending behaviour remained unchallenged for a prolonged period of time and he took advantage of opportunities to groom the victim for his own sexual gratification." The children's charity NSPCC said Glas had "exploited his position of trust". A spokesperson said: "The victim in this case has shown great bravery in speaking out and helping to ensure Glas faced justice for his crimes. "Child sexual abuse can have a devastating and lasting impact on the victims, which is why it is so important that anyone who suffers such abuse knows that if they speak out, they will be listened to and supported." More news stories for Jersey Listen to the latest news for Jersey Follow BBC Jersey on X and Facebook. Send your story ideas to Bishop apologises for priest's child abuse Priest found guilty of gross indecency with child Jersey Royal Court
Wales Online
6 days ago
- Wales Online
Former school teaching assistant caught with the most serious child abuse images
Former school teaching assistant caught with the most serious child abuse images The judge said the defendant posed a high risk to male children Daniel Beatty, who had been subject to a sexual harm prevention order when he breached his terms (Image: western mail ) A Welsh former teaching assistant caught with child abuse images has been jailed. On Wednesday Cardiff Crown Court heard Daniel Beatty, of Capel Crescent in Newport, had been caught with images of boys being sexually abused. Beatty, 33, had been subject to a sexual harm prevention order dating back to 2015 when he was jailed for three years for sexually touching an 11-year-old boy and showing him pornography, the court heard. Kathryn Lane, prosecuting, said Beatty was referred to Gwent Police by children's charity the NSPCC in March last year after the charity was informed the defendant had been contacting a 15-year-old boy while gaming online. Following a police investigation the defendant was arrested in January of this year and his devices were seized. Ms Lane said while the conversation was not sexual it was a clear breach of the terms of the order he should have been abiding by. On Beatty's devices a small number of child sex abuse images were also discovered and they were in the worst category for harm - category A. The defendant answered no comment to all questions at police interview but pleaded guilty at the earliest opportunity. Solomon Hartley, defending, stressed his client was owed credit for his early guilty plea and said a very small number of images were found on his devices. Mr Hartley submitted there was a clear prospect of rehabilitation and said Beatty was not aware the teenager he was talking to online about gaming was 15. Judge Simon Mills agreed the number of images was small in volume, but said the offending - given it happened with the backdrop of a previous jail term for offences against children - justifies an immediate jail term. He told Beatty in the dock: 'This is not the case of a first time offender coming before court with a relatively small number of images. It is a small number of images but they're category A images and you did it against a backdrop which you knew perfectly well. 'You knew the consequences but decided to do it anyway. You pose a high risk to young male children. A high risk in fact given the sting of being subject to these provisions has lessened as time has passed. 'This case not only crosses the custody threshold but is also a case in which adequate punishment can only be achieved by a sentence of immediate custody. Indecent pictures of children are real children being abused by real adults.' Judge Mills sentenced Beatty to 12 months custody, half of which he'll serve behind bars and the remainder on licence. He also continues to be subject of a sexual harm prevention order for life. Article continues below
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Full chef line-up revealed for Cumbrian charity dinner
(Clockwise from Top L) Paul Leonard, head chef of the Forest Side; Ollie Bridgwater, chef at the Source at Gilpin; Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the The Old Stamp House; and Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co (Image: Supplied) The four northern chefs taking part in the inaugural Great Cumbrian Chefs' Dinner, set to take place this autumn, have now been revealed. The event, scheduled for Saturday, September 20, will be held at Lowick Hall, near Ulverston, Cumbria, and aims to raise funds for Childline. The already sold-out evening will see 250 guests treated to a four-course menu, featuring dishes crafted by some of the UK's most celebrated chefs. Culinary maestros include Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co; Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the Michelin-starred The Old Stamp House and Bib Gourmand-awarded The Schelly; Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Source at Gilpin; and Paul Leonard, head chef of the Michelin-starred Forest Side. ADVERTISEMENT Ryan Blackburn, chef-owner of the Michelin-starred The Old Stamp House and Bib Gourmand-awarded The Schelly (Image: Phil Rigby) The evening will be hosted by Darren Proctor, broadcaster and presenter, with John Townsend leading a live auction. Lots will include dining experiences, weekend breaks, and home-dining packages. All proceeds from the event will go towards funding the NSPCC's Childline service. Ollie Bridgwater, executive chef at the Michelin-starred Source at Gilpin (Image: Supplied) John Worth, former NSPCC trustee and honorary treasurer, said: "We are thrilled to host the inaugural Great Cumbrian Chefs' Dinner at Lowick Hall. "We hope this event will significantly contribute to the NSPCC's mission to protect children and prevent abuse. "We would like to thank each of the chefs who have graciously agreed to participate this year, as their generosity makes this event possible." ADVERTISEMENT Paul Leonard, head chef of the Michelin-starred Forest Side (Image: Supplied) Blackburn, The Old Stamp House's chef-owner, said: "I'm always proud to be involved with events like this. "Being able to support Childline and help raise funds to help them continue to deliver their free and confidential services, helping children and young people, is a fantastic thing to be involved with, and I'm thrilled to be able to help." Janette Drew, community fundraising manager at the NSPCC, said: "Volunteers and exceptional chefs have joined together to work tirelessly on this event. "It's going to be a spectacular night in aid of Childline, and I want to thank everyone involved for all their hard work and support." Paul Heathcote MBE, chef-owner of Heathcote & Co (Image: Supplied) In 2022/2023, Childline received more than 700,000 calls, emails, and online chat messages. ADVERTISEMENT From these contacts, Childline delivered nearly 200,000 counselling sessions to children and young people. According to the charity, mental and emotional health and wellbeing remain the top concern for child callers. (L to R) Great Cumbrian Chefs Dinner Committee members Greg Stephenson, Harriet MacArthur, Jaqueline Townsend, Janette Drew (NSPCC), Sarah Gillibrand, Deborah Sefton (NSPCC), Loretta Blackburn, Marilyn Hale, and Sally F (Image: Supplied) Childline was launched nearly 40 years ago in 1986. It became part of the NSPCC in 2006. According to the charity, £4 pays for a trained volunteer counsellor to answer a child's call. Those interested in supporting the event, or other fundraising and volunteering opportunities, are encouraged to contact Janette Drew, community fundraising manager for Cumbria and West Lancashire, by email at or on 07710 838169.
BBC News
23-05-2025
- BBC News
Stockport climbing instructor who sexually abused children jailed
A climbing instructor who sexually abused children during lessons has been jailed. Alan Ellinson, 68, exposed himself and asked his students to reach into his trouser pocket for sweets, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said. The offences against four children, aged between 10 and 14, took place between 2013 and 2015 when Ellinson owned and worked at his family-run climbing instructing business in of Poynton, Cheshire, denied indecent exposure and inciting sexual activity with children but was found guilty and given a five-year sentence. The mother of one of Ellinson's victims reported him to the NSPCC after her daughter revealed what had charity informed police and he was arrested in 2021. 'Obnoxious and arrogant' GMP said Ellinson had worked at the business in Marple from 1993 to 2023, when it shut down. He taught junior sessions in climbing with groups of children from six to 14 years of force said: "He would keep sweets in his pockets and ask the children to reach into his pockets to get one."Some children also noticed he exposed himself over the top of his trousers. During his police interview Ellinson "came across as obnoxious and arrogant", GMP said. He also spoke of how he "hated his job" and called the children he taught to climb "vindictive and feral".Det Con Lucy Williams thanked "the brave victims of these abhorrent crimes for coming forward".She said Ellinson was a "trusted" instructor who "abused his position of trust" and "is now where he belongs, in jail".Ellinson was found guilty at Manchester Minshull Street Crown Court of three counts of indecent exposure and four counts of inciting a child under the age of 13 in sexual was given a Sexual Harm Prevention Order for 10 years and placed on the Sex Offenders Register for life. Listen to the best of BBC Radio Manchester on Sounds and follow BBC Manchester on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
