Childline in critical need of volunteers as calls go unanswered
CALLS to the Childline centre in Londonderry are going unanswered because there is a shortage of trained volunteers to help, it has emerged.
The Foyle Childline centre takes calls from children who struggle with any number of issues including abuse, bullying and self-harm.
However, centre manager Georgina McGlinchey said many more children could be helped if they had more volunteers.
The centre opened its doors to young people yesterday as part of the NSPCC’s Invaders Day, which allowed children and teenagers to see how the centre operates and give their feedback.
Ms McGlinchey told the Belfast Telegraph the sheer volume of children contacting them eiare ther through the switchboard or online grows all the time.
“The number of calls coming into the centre is greater by far than the number of calls our trained volunteers can get through,” she said.
“We get calls from children as young as six right up to 19. So basically as soon as a child can use a phone, know what Childline is and what we are here for they call us.
“The NSPCC goes into primary schools and promotes the service so children are made aware there is help for them.
“They contact us about a range of issues including neglect, suicide and self-harm and sexual abuse and do this mostly now through a one-to-one chat online.
“The children can disclose to us where they are or they can remain anonymous, but sometimes we do need to get to them if they at risk, either from someone else or from themselves.
“Unfortunately we are not answering all the contacts that come through to the centre because we don’t have enough volunteers.
“It is tough on us to see that there are calls coming through that we just can’t get to.
“We have 45 volunteers, but we would need the same again if we were to get to every child that contacts us.
“We actually have an information evening on November 1 for anyone who is interested — all we ask is you can give four-anda-half-hours or even just two for people who want to work on the switchboard.
More information about volunteering with Childline Foyle is on the group’s Facebook page or email amanda.doherty@nspcc.org.uk.
Georgina McGlinchey, centre manager at ChildLine Foyle