Childline to support thousands of children in need of help over Christmas

The NSPCC’s Childline service is anticipating thousands of children and young people reaching out to them for help and support across the festive period.

Over the 12 days of Christmas last year (December 24, 2023 to January 4, 2024) Childline delivered almost 5,500 counselling sessions to children living across the UK, averaging more than 450 a day.

Childline says problems with mental health and wellbeing is the main reason why children and young people contact the charity.

Adeniyi Alade, service head of Childline and based at the Aberdeen base, said: “Childline will be there, as always, to help the thousands of children who contact us by phone and online over the festive period.

“We know Christmas can be a difficult time for some children and young people when they are spending more time at home.

“This time of year, can cause added stress to family life such as financial worries, arguments, and adults drinking a lot of alcohol.

“Whatever they may be worried about we’d like to reassure children and young people that our trained counsellors will be there to listen and support them on every day of the 12 days of Christmas and into the New Year.”

Adam Perry from Glasgow has been a volunteer at the city’s Childline base since January this year.

He’s doing a shift on Christmas Eve for the first time and said: “Children have got all sorts of things going on in their lives, and often they are trying to cope with so much that’s happening to them.

“Someone needs to be there for them to listen, without judgement, and I feel privileged to be able to do that.

“At the end of every shift at Childline you feel like you’ve made a positive difference for at least one child, often more. To be honest there’s not much else I could do in an evening after work that would be as worthwhile.

“While I know it will be tough, I’m happy to volunteer this Christmas Eve. During the festive period, children have less support from their usual networks, such as school and friends, so I’m looking forward to being there to listen to them.”

Childline bases across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, Leeds, Birmingham, Glasgow, Aberdeen and Cardiff, will be in operation throughout the Christmas period, filled with both full-time staff and volunteers.

The Childline service is here for children every day, even on Christmas Day. Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk 