ShockatsurgeinnumberofNIchildren being counselled for suicidal thoughts
NORTHERN Ireland’s Children’s Commissioner has expressed deep concern at the disturbing increase in demand for suicide counselling sessions from children here.
Figures released today by Childline show that the charity carried out 387 suicide counselling sessions last year with local youngsters.
This represented an increase from 2015-16, when 349 young people received counselling from the free and confidential helpline.
Across the UK, the NSPCC’s round-the-clock service delivered 22,456 counselling sessions — up 15% from the previous year — with children who were tormented by suicidal thoughts.
The youngest child to be counselled was 10.
The NSPCC has warned that without appropriate support for young people, many are shouldering their troubles single-handedly and turning to Childline only when they reach crisis point.
Suicide is the third most common reason for girls to contact Childline, and the fifth most common for boys.
Mental health issues, family relationships and self-harm were the top three additional concerns mentioned during suicide counselling.
Young people were most likely to be counselled about suicidal thoughts and feelings on Monday evenings, and the majority of children confided in counsellors online, via the charity’s 1-2-1 chat service, or by email.
Children’s Commissioner Koulla Yiasouma said the new figures were “concerning but unfortunately not surprising” due to the “increased pressures” felt by children and young people.
She added: “They are a reminder of the vital importance of having accessible counselling services in the community, that can support young people with their mental health and well being. The number of suicide counselling sessions Childline carried out with Northern Ireland children last year
“When I meet and speak to young people it is consistently one of the main issues they raise, and it is why mental health is one of my priority areas of work.
“My office is currently undertaking a review of mental health services, and I call on young people who have tried to get help, or have got help for their mental health, to take part in our online survey — www.niccy.org/SpeakYourMind. By sharing their experiences, young people can help us to make things better for other young people.”
The NSPCC is now calling on the public to volunteer as Childline counsellors to help children and potentially save lives.
Childline founder and president Esther Rantzen said: “Today’s tragic statistics prove that Childline is more crucial than ever and, for some, literally a lifeline.
“When Childline launched over 30 years ago, I remember children usually felt suicidal because they were being hurt by someone.
“Now young people tell us they are overwhelmed by mental health issues taking them to the brink of suicide.
“We must discover why so many of our young people feel so isolated they turn to Childline because they believe no one else cares about them.
“I would urge members of the public to consider becoming a Childline volunteer. Anyone who can lend a few hours to this vital service could end up saving a child’s life.”
Childline service manager for Northern Ireland Mairead Monds said: “We must face the painful reality that many young people feel so overwhelmed by their problems they have considered taking their own, precious lives. We have never seen figures like these before and they are a blunt wake-up call.
“Young people must know life is worth living, and they can lead a life rich in possibilities and happiness.
“When they are suffering from problems it’s vital they get the right help swiftly before these issues snowball into suicidal feelings or even attempts to end their lives.”