Michael Denham
11 April, 2025
News

New NSPCC CEO visits charity helpline teams in Birmingham

Chris Sherwood, the new NSPCC Chief Executive, visited the charity’s base in Birmingham to meet the local Childline and Helpline teams.

The NSPCC Midlands team with new CEO Chris Sherwood in Birmingham.

His first visit to the Birmingham office in Hagley Road this week also saw Chris meet with local Schools Service staff and community fundraising volunteers.

Chris, who began his tenure with the NSPCC in January, is touring the charity’s hubs around the country to get to know the services, staff and offices across the UK.

Garry Peal, from the NSPCC's West Midlands Business Board, welcoming New NSPCC CEO, Chris Sherwood, to Birmingham.
Garry Peal, from the NSPCC's West Midlands Business Board, welcoming New NSPCC CEO, Chris Sherwood, to Birmingham. Credit: NSPCC

Chris said: “My day spent at our Birmingham office was both inspirational and educational as I had the privilege to meet such incredible volunteers and colleagues who all do so much to help children and young people.

“The Midlands play such an essential role at the NSPCC with our charity services, campaigns, and projects, and it is was heartening to see first-hand such devotion and dedication on display, not only for our charity’s role and mission, but also for the close bond everyone has as a team, which very much reflects the community spirit that is so prevalent across the region.”

Last year, the Childline team based in Birmingham delivered 13,914 counselling sessions to children and young people across the country who needed help and support, with topics including abuse, neglect loneliness, family issues, problems at school and more.

Matt Brookes, the Childline Team Manager for Birmingham, said: “Chris’ visit was met with such joy and enthusiasm from everyone at our Childline team, we enjoyed the opportunity to welcome him to our office so we could showcase what we do at the Birmingham base.

“It really emboldened everyone to see him take such a firm interest in the essential work our volunteers and colleagues do when supporting children and young people who are often scared, alone and in need of our help.”

If anyone is interested in volunteering for the NSPCC Midlands team then please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/support-us/