It’s estimated that more than 36 billion cups of tea are drunk every year in the UK, and when it comes to consumption, Northern Ireland enjoys more cuppas than anywhere else with an average of 4 – 6 cups being enjoyed per person per day.
This Christmas make every sip count toward helping children and young people stay safe from abuse by taking part in Stop for Tea with the NSPCC.
The fundraising initiative is encouraging people to take a break from the festive frenzy and host a tea party large or small to support NSPCC’s vital work in Northern Ireland, including the 24/7 Childline Service.
A child or young person contacts Childline every 45 seconds. It costs £4 for a volunteer counsellor to answer a call and this year Childline delivered on average over 16,000 counselling sessions a month.
By taking part in Stop for Tea, every sip really will count and every pound raised will help make a difference to children and young people.
You can host a Stop for Tea with the NSPCC party anywhere at all – in your home, local community centre, workplace … wherever – and on any day and at any time.
It’s up to you how you choose to Stop for Tea, but the most important thing is to have fun and help keep children safe. So put the kettle on, grab a biccy and get brewing.
To sign up for Stop for Tea with the NSPCC and get your free fundraising pack, email: [email protected]
Stefani Mearns, supporter fundraising manager for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said: “What better excuse is there to bring your friends, family or colleagues together than by hosting a tea party during the festive season to help support children.
“All the money raised will go towards our crucial services, including the 24/7 Childline Service, our Helpline, our therapeutic services for children and families and our Speak Out, Stay Safe programme in schools.
“No matter when or where you host a Stop for Tea with the NSPCC, the money you raise will ensure we can be there for children when they need us the most.”
DID YOU KNOW?
The country that drinks the most tea in the world is Turkey, followed by Ireland, the UK, Iran, Russia, Morocco, New Zealand, Chile, Egypt and Poland.
According to legend, in 2732 BC Emperor Shen Nung discovered tea when leaves from a wild tree blew into his pot of boiling water.
Drinking tea is less likely to produce a caffeine crash than drinking coffee. This is because the high levels of antioxidants in tea slow the absorption of caffeine, which results in a gentler increase of caffeine in your system and a longer period of alertness with no crash at the end.
The art of reading tea leaves is called tasseography.
In 1840, afternoon tea was introduced in England by Anna, the seventh Duchess of Bedford. She would become hungry around four o’clock in the afternoon, and so the trend started.
Anyone taking part in Stop for Tea, can post with NSPCC NI on social media using #StopForTea and tagging: Twitter: @nspccni (Twitter/X) @nspccnorthernireland (Facebook) @nspccni (Instagram).