‘Please, do not give up on vital helplines’
Earlier this month, The Sunday Post joined forces with Age Scotland to raise money to fund a vital befriending calls service.
Now, Dame Esther is pleading with the public not to forget Childline or The Silver Line during the coronavirus crisis.
The presenter launched Childline as a result of a That’s Life programme on child abuse. The free 24/7 phone counselling service and website has helped millions of children and young people since its inception in 1986.
The Silver Line, launched in 2012, is a free, confidential helpline providing information and friendship to older people.
But she says both are suffering from the impact of Covid-19 and lockdown.
Esther said: “The situation with children and young
● people who are not safe at home is very worrying.
“Our volunteer counsellors are getting contacts and calls from young people who say they really want to run away but there is nowhere safe for them to go.
“The fact that they can talk to us about what they are living through has become more and more important and we are having to find ways of ensuring they are safe.
“The demand for The Silver Line has been higher than ever. Older people are telling us they are worried that the people who care for them may no longer be able to support them. And they are frightened of dying alone.
“I am asking the public please, please don’t give up on us. We know times are tough but no matter how small the donation please stick with us.”
To donate to Childline visit nspcc.org.uk or call 020 7825 2505. For The Silver Line visit thesilverline.org.uk or call 020 7224 2020.
Age Scotland’s helpline is at 0800 12 44 222.