HAVE NO FEAR
IRISH celebrities have revealed their biggest childhood worries as part of a new national awareness campaign.
Stars including Amy Huberman, Jamie Heaslip, Pippa O’connor, Brian Ormond and Nicky Byrne are set to appear in the video series created by ISPCC Childline.
The initiative was launched after research found 95% of youngsters have worries they want to discuss.
Actress Huberman talks about the difficulty of losing a grandparent and how talking helped her feel less alone.
She says: “Knowing you weren’t the only one that was going through it or would go through it... sharing can help you to feel there’s a way out and you don’t have to feel so isolated.” The campaign aims to inform children in a fun and engaging way that Talking Makes Us Stronger.
The videos feature stars chatting about what caused their Headbomz growing up and how discussing their concerns helped them.
From not being selected for football teams to starting a new school or moving to a different town, the clips demonstrate there is no worry too big or small that can’t be solved through a conversation with a pal, parent, teacher or sibling.
Irish rugby star Jamie Heaslip struggled with the pressure of his ON THE BALL on-field success growing up and discusses the effect of losing a match. He says: “I felt embarrassed or ashamed I didn’t meet people’s expectations but talking to friends off the pitch, it made me realise a heavy load is easy to share amongst your friends.”
Singer and radio presenter Nicky Byrne, who was a talented soccer player as a child, speaks about the insecurities of not being selected for a team.
He says: “A problem shared is a problem halved and once you open up, once you’ve said it out loud, it feels like you’ve gotten rid of whatever it is off your chest”.
The ages between Pippa O’connor and Brian Ormond eight and 10 are pivotal for youngsters as it is a key time in the development of their emotional resilience.
ISPCC Childline chief Grainia Long said: “The Talking Makes Us Stronger message is extremely important for children and the Headbomz programme is designed to make this clear, easy and fun.
“Encouraging children to talk to someone they trust is a positive step and Childline is always there to listen.
“Childline and the Vodafone Ireland Foundation created Headbomz as an innovative and impactful way to start the conversation among eight to 10-year-olds.”
■ For more details visit headbomz.ie.