Daniel Radcliffe pledged his support for young people in difficulty and distress across the UK last night, at a charity auction in aid of Get Connected – the UK’s only free and confidential helpline for young people under 25.
The young film and stage actor took time out from his busy schedule to co-host the charity’s annual auction, held in the magnificent surroundings of the Underglobe, located beneath Shakespeare’s iconic Globe Theatre.
The 22-year-old has been a long-standing supporter of Get Connected, which helps under-25s with absolutely any issue. Last night, after the main auction and entertainment from Teen Rock Choir and award-winning comedian Miles Jupp, Daniel took to the stage to ask the 200 guests to pledge funds to recruit and train more Get Connected Helpline Volunteers – the people at the heart of the Helpline Service.
“So many young people are facing really tough times and have no idea where to turn to for help. I’m delighted to support Get Connected and their Helpline Volunteers, who give up their time to support the thousands of young people who call in desperate need of help” said Daniel.
Daniel, who is the charity’s ‘Best Friend’, met forty very excited members of Teen Rock Choir who performed during the evening. The singers were aged between 10 and 24, representing the ages of the 1,500 young people who call the Get Connected helpline every week. These young people, who contact the Helpline by phone, webchat, text, and e-mail, are seeking help and support for a range of issues including homelessness, bullying, self-harm, anorexia, addiction and suicide.
The auction raised £180,000, and the proceeds will go directly towards the Get Connected helpline, ensuring that young people know that Get Connected is there for them. It will also help with training and expanding its team of Helpline
Volunteers who provide young people with the help that they need, 365 days a year.
“We are always overwhelmed by the kind support Get Connected receives at our annual fundraising auction,” commented Fiona Clark, Chief Executive of Get Connected. “I’m so grateful to Daniel for his support as well as all the sponsors who so generously donated and bought our auction lots. The funds raised will allow us to connect even more young people to the help they need in 2012.”
The event was sponsored by Carphone Warehouse, proud supporters of Get Connected for over ten years. Charles Dunstone, founder of Carphone Warehouse and Chairman of Get Connected, was thrilled with the auction’s success: “Get Connected has an exciting vision for the next five years and once again the dedicated team staged a hugely successful evening. I’d like to thank everyone involved for their generous support with the event. The funds received will help Get Connected raise much needed awareness among young people of the vital service it provides.”
ENDS
About Get Connected:
Get Connected is the free, confidential national helpline for young people under 25. Our team of 100 trained non-judgemental Helpline Volunteers provide emotional support and practical information for any problem a young person may have. They can then connect them to any one of 13,000 trusted organisations for further support and advice, completely free of charge.
The service is available via phone, text, email, webchat and the online directory, WebHelp 24/7.
Get Connected relies entirely on voluntary donations. (www.getconnected.org.uk)
Get Connected helpline contact details are:
Call FREE: 0808 808 4994 (1pm-11pm daily)
Text for FREE help 80849 (7pm – 11pm, Monday to Friday)
Email: via www.getconnected.org
Webchat: www.getconnected.org.uk (1pm-11pm daily)
WebHelp 24/7: www.getconnected.org.uk
