ChildLine calls on people of Derry to help protect young children

As National Volunteer Week gets under way today, NSPCC Northern Ireland is making a plea to people to help protect a generation of children from abuse by volunteering at the ChildLine base in Queen’s Quay in Derry.

The crucial volunteer led service provides a safe, confidential place for children and young people to turn to 24 hours a day, every day of the year.

Last year, the service base in Foyle received contacts from children and young people from across Britain on issues ranging from exam stress and family problems to abuse and depression.

Children can choose to contact the service via telephone, online via one-to-one chat or by email.

Mairead Monds, ChildLine service manager in Foyle said a child contacted ChildLine every 20 seconds.

She added: “Some of these children are going through the toughest times of their lives. We have an incredibly dedicated team of volunteers at our base but unfortunately we still can’t speak to every child who gets in touch..

“Becoming a ChildLine volunteer means being there when a child needs you the most. Just one four hour shift a week can help so many children and young people. Sometimes all they need is someone like you who has the time to listen.”

ChildLine volunteers receive training to develop and strengthen the skills needed to offer comfort, support and practical advice and are provided with ongoing supervision and support.

Sarah O’Donnell, who volunteers at the ChildLine base in the city, said being a ChildLine volunteer was “incredibly rewarding.”

She added: “When you’re on shift you can see on a screen how many children are waiting to be put in contact with a counsellor. Although we speak to a great deal of them, it’s difficult to know that we won’t always be able to help them all – particularly when you know it’s taken so much courage to get in touch in the first place.

“Being a ChildLine volunteer is incredibly rewarding and I’ve gained so many skills and made so many new friends as a result. I’d encourage anyone who’s interested to apply so that we can make sure we speak to every child who needs us.”

For more information on how to apply visit www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer