Not to bring the Christmas cheer and season of goodwill down or anything, but we couldn't get past this news – 1,040 Irish children called the Childline phoneline on Christmas Day.... and we are heartbroken.
A team of 61 volunteers gave up their Christmas day to be there at the end of the phone for any children who needed support. For so many innocent children, Christmas is not a time of family, togetherness, safety and warmth, but a place of fear and loneliness, and often times neglect.
These could be kids on your street, from your child's school, someone you know...
ISPCC Chief Executive Grainia Long stated:
“Some children who contacted Childline on Christmas day are experiencing loneliness, loss, and domestic violence over this festive period which makes what should be a happy time very difficult for them but thanks to our dedicated volunteers, Childline is here to listen and support them."
According to Chidline, there were also a number of contacts from children experiencing mental health issues. The impact of alcohol abuse in the home over the Christmas period was also evident in the calls on Christmas day.
The Childline phone service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. The volunteers receive thousands of calls every year, and are trained to listen and understand young people in need.
Young people contact the service for a wide range of reasons such as bullying, sexuality, everyday chat and lots of other issues. To donate to Childline, call 1850-50-40-50 or online
here.
