Last year, Childline delivered more than 2,700 counselling sessions to children and young people from Northern Ireland dealing with a range of worries.
Across the UK, the NSPCC service is delivering, on average, more than 500 counselling sessions a day to children and young people, with mental health, family relationships and friendship issues being the top concerns.
As the charity celebrates its third annual Childhood Day (Fri June 7th) it has issued a rallying call for families to come together to celebrate childhood by signing-up or joining in with one of the many fundraising activities and street collections taking place in Northern Ireland.
In 2023/24 Childline delivered 188,000 counselling sessions to children and young people across the UK, dealing with a range of worries.
In Northern Ireland almost all counselling sessions were conducted online – 60% via 1-2-1 chat and 40% via email – highlighting the changing way in which the service is now provided.
In more than 260 sessions, a young person in Northern Ireland said Childline was the first place that they had shared their concern, reinforcing how vital the service continues to be for children.
The new data released by the NSPCC gives an indicator of the issues and problems facing children and young people in 2024. It also highlights the need for children and parents to find fun ways to spend time together and have conversations about what is taking place in their lives.
Childhood Day brings people together to celebrate the joys of being a child, while also encouraging people to play their part to help keep children safe.
People can get involved by donating to a Childhood Day collection, taking on the charity’s Childhood Day Mile or donating directly at www.nspcc.org.uk.
All the funds raised from Childhood Day will go towards ensuring the NSPCC can continue to deliver services like Childline to those children who need support and feel they have nowhere else to turn.
Childline often hears from young people about how much the service means to them and positively impacts their lives.
One young person from Northern Ireland told Childline: “I spoke to Childline a little while ago and wanted to thank you for how much you helped me. I wasn’t coping well then, but I’m really proud to say I’m still following your advice.”
Rebecca Wilcox, President of Childline, said: “As a mother, as well as the President of Childline and a volunteer for the service, I believe it’s incredibly important for young people to have a safe space where they can discuss anything that might be troubling them.
“Childline will always be here for every young person, no matter the nature or size of their concern.”
Sir Peter Wanless, NSPCC CEO, said: “Every day Childline continues to be a safe port for hundreds of children struggling with a widening range of issues and concerns.
“Events like Childhood Day play an essential part in providing the support we need to keep Childline running day and night for young people, some of whom have nowhere else to turn.
“As well as raising vital funds for the NSPCC Childhood Day also encourages children and families to celebrate childhood.
“This is why we are calling on communities, schools and families to take part in fun activities, such as the Childhood Day Mile – where they can hop, skip or jump a mile.”
Sponsoring this year’s Childline Sports Day is O2. O2 connects millions of families across the UK and is committed to helping keep children and young people safe when gaming, studying and connecting with friends online. As part of its sustainability strategy, the Better Connections Plan, the company is working to improve the digital skills and confidence of six million people by the end of 2025.
To find out more about how to get involved in Childhood Day including taking part in the Childhood Day Mile or volunteering at a fundraising collection, visit: www.nspcc.org.uk and search ‘Childhood Day’.
