Childline marks 40 years since Esther Rantzen founded helpline
An event in London celebrated four decades of the charity, which has delivered over six million counselling sessions.
Incident → evidence → outcomeAn event was held in London to commemorate the 40th anniversary of Childline, the children's charity founded by broadcaster Esther Rantzen. The celebration took place a week after Rantzen's death at the age of 86, following a cancer diagnosis. Guests gathered to honour the organisation's four decades of service.
Rebecca Wilcox, Rantzen's daughter, spoke at the event, sharing that her mother viewed Childline as her 'favourite child'. Ms Wilcox told attendees that she realised from the beginning that her mother loved the charity more than her and her siblings. She described Childline as having 'supernatural powers' and expressed a need to be reminded of the good in the world, stating the room was 'flipping full of it'.
Ms Wilcox also conveyed her mother's deep affection for children, stating they were 'everything that she wants this world to look after'. She urged others to 'be a bit more like her and protect those children'.
Charity's origins and evolution
Geri Halliwell-Horner, a Childline ambassador, highlighted Rantzen's tireless work in founding the charity 40 years ago. Halliwell-Horner mentioned that Rantzen had informed her of the significant donations made by the late singer George Michael to the charity. She emphasised the importance of continuing Rantzen's legacy, stating that children and young people need support more than ever.
Childline was established by Dame Esther Rantzen after a temporary helpline for viewers affected by a programme about a starved toddler was overwhelmed with calls. The majority of these calls were from children experiencing sexual abuse, which inspired Rantzen to create a dedicated, 24/7 helpline for young people.
NSPCC chief executive Chris Sherwood described Rantzen as a 'unique, inspiring and truly remarkable woman' who dedicated substantial time and energy to ensuring children had a place to turn. He noted that the event served as an opportunity to pay tribute to Rantzen and reflect on the charity's past and future.
Childline, now part of the NSPCC, has provided over six million counselling sessions. In 1986, sexual abuse was the primary concern for children contacting the service, accounting for 27% of calls and letters. Currently, mental and emotional health is the leading reason for contact, representing 33% of counselling sessions in 2025/26, with issues like artificial intelligence, social media, and the Covid-19 pandemic also being mentioned in recent years.
Questions this report answers
01What was Childline celebrating?
Childline was celebrating its 40th anniversary. An event was held in London to mark four decades of the charity's work, which was founded by broadcaster Esther Rantzen.
02What did Esther Rantzen's daughter say about the charity?
Rebecca Wilcox, Esther Rantzen's daughter, stated that her mother considered Childline her 'favourite child'. She noted that Rantzen deeply loved the charity and believed children were 'everything that she wants this world to look after'.
03How many counselling sessions has Childline provided?
Childline has delivered more than six million counselling sessions since it was founded. The charity, now part of the NSPCC, offers support to children and young people.
04What are the main reasons children contact Childline now compared to 1986?
In 1986, sexual abuse was the top concern for Childline contacts. Currently, mental and emotional health is the biggest reason young people reach out, accounting for 33% of counselling sessions in 2025/26.
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