Esther Rantzen remembered for turning television influence into help for children

The NSPCC has paid tribute to Dame Esther Rantzen following the death of the broadcaster and Childline founder. Its statement, published on 30 September, recalls how a television programme about child abuse led to a nationwide service through which young people could seek confidential support.

From a broadcast to a national helpline

An episode of That’s Life in March 1986 prompted calls and thousands of letters, including accounts from children who had not previously disclosed abuse. Childline launched that October. The NSPCC says the service has since provided more than six million counselling sessions, alongside support through its online resources. That figure describes sessions, rather than a count of individual children.

A service that continues

Rantzen remained Childline’s president. The charity committed to continuing her work. Childline offers free, confidential support to people under 18 on 0800 1111.