For some children and young people in Galway and across Ireland, Childline is a lifeline.
Abuse and violence, mental health difficulties and strains in relationships with family and friends are just some of the challenges they face.
For Ryan*, it felt like every day was a struggle.
He told Childline how he felt anxious – almost all of the time.
He wasn’t sure how he could face going back to school.
Childline receives over 300,000 calls, online contacts and texts every year on average from children like Ryan and others.
Any child or young person can turn to the service for free and in confidence, for support with any issue which may be on their mind.
Childline listens to children, believes them, supports and empowers them.
It works to strengthen children’s resilience, to help them cope with any challenges they may face.
Childline is here 24 hours a day, every day – online, on the phone and by text.
However, this is only possible with your support.
Childline costs €3.5 million to run every year.
It relies on donations for 90 per cent of its funding.
We are hugely grateful for all the generosity we receive from people in Galway and across Ireland, which helps to make sure every child and young person always has somewhere they can turn.
If you can help keep Childline listening, please visit ispcc.ie/donate-now
To find out more about how you can support Childline locally, contact Carmen Taheny by emailing [email protected].
*Ryan’s details have been changed to protect the identity of this caller