Let’s help those who can’t help themselves

YOU need a test to drive a car I was horrified to read the story recently about the little three year old girl who was abandoned in a Cork park by her parents. When Gardai arrived at the scene ( an hour after they were called) they recognised the child and said it was the third such instance with the girl and she would now be taken into care.

The child had with her a Jack Russell dog and when her parents were contacted to say she had been found, despite their not having reported her missing by 9pm that night, their main concern was about the dog.

If I leave a room, within a few minutes I hear my three year old coming in search of me. But tellingly for this little child she wasn’t even fazed by being alone in a public place.

It has always astounded me really that you need to pass a test to drive a car but anyone can have a child.

Now I won’t claim to be a perfect parent, but my children always come first. I cannot understand people who can be cruel to a child. I’m sure there is a psychological explanation but I don’t even want to hear it.

However it is important for children to know even if the person who should listen to a child does not, there is someone who will.

Childline is the national listening service for children and young people in Ireland, and is a confidential service run by the ISPCC, by telephone, text and online. In 2015, over 420,000 contacts were answered by their volunteers.

I think one of the saddest things to re- alise is that try as they may, the resources are not there to answer all calls made to Childline. In 2014 while 652,382 calls were received only 462,505 could be answered. The ISPCC receives 80% of its funding from fundraising and if you wish to make a donation you can make a regular or a once off donation by contacting 1850- 50- 40- 50.

Childline receives 2,000 calls every day and on Christmas day 2016 while children throughout the country were enjoying the happiest day of their year, ISPCC Childline received 1,040 contacts from children across Ireland.

A team of 61 volunteers gave up their own Christmas and freely offered support to hundreds of children who needed to talk to someone. It’s important to be able to tell the difference between a parent running out of patience and a child in need of real help.

It’s up to us to protect our future generations and to always keep our ears and eyes open to what is happening to the young people around us. If you want to contact Childline on behalf of yourself or someone else you can do so by calling 1800 66 66 66 24 hours a day, by texting ‘ Bully’ or ‘ Help’ or ‘ talk’ to 50101 or on their website www. childline. ie.

Let’s make an effort to help those who are unable to help themselves.