Focus has switched to mental and emotional health issues
At Childline, we have more than a thousand volunteer counsellors at our bases around the UK, ready to support children across the country whenever they need us.
They’re all specially trained to be able to deal with all kinds of calls and emails from children and to ensure these young people know someone is there when they feel alone, worried or scared.
Sally is one of our Childline counsellors based in the North and has been volunteering with us for 17 years.
She’s seen many changes over the years, with the focus of many contacts changing from bullying and sexual or physical abuse to issues including mental health concerns, and loneliness.
That’s a trend we’re seeing nationally, and while we’re still speaking to children about bullying or abuse, mental and emotional health is among the most common topics young people raise with Childline counsellors.
Speaking recently about her time volunteering with Childline, Sally said: “Sometimes, just listening and letting them know we believe them can be enough to be a huge help.
“The number of contacts we get from young people saying there’s nothing they can do and they just want to die, there are too many. Some children just don’t want to worry people, but don’t want to live anymore.
"No child should feel that way, offering that kind of support makes me proud of the amazing work our volunteers do – and I know my colleagues across the NSPCC are looking for support too.”
Last week marked Student Volunteer Week, and here in the North East we have been speaking to people at Sunderland University to find out how their students could help the NSPCC.
We had a great response, and whether they’re looking to support us through fundraising, sharing our messages or potentially even volunteering for Childline remains to be seen and will be up to the students themselves.
But however they choose to help, it’s really exciting to be speaking to new people who want to support children in any way they can.
To find out how you can support the NSPCC through volunteering, fundraising or donating, go to www.nspcc. org.uk