The ISPCC is now recruiting volunteers for its Childline 24-hour support line in Galway.
The service, provided by the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children, is available to any child and young person who would like to talk about any topic on their mind.
Childline’s 24-hour support line is for all children and young people up to and including 18 years of age. It is free to contact, confidential and non-judgmental and can be reached online, by text or by phone. Children reach out to Childline about any concerns they may have. These include feelings of anxiety, loneliness and isolation as well as worries around family, relationship and identity.
Childline regional supervisor Mary Nolan Durkan says Childline volunteers play a vital role in helping to ensure there is always someone there to listen, support and empower children and young people in Ireland when they need it.
“The Childline training is comprehensive and equips volunteers with the skills to deliver an invaluable support service to children.”
Volunteers with the service come from all walks of life and are united in wanting to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face his/her challenges alone.
Volunteers receive full virtual training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support thereafter. The training will take place remotely in September.
Volunteer Dee says she never expected to get so much back from volunteering in her own life.
“I have learned so many new skills and made good friends. We are all united with a common purpose: to make sure every child has somewhere they can turn.”
Another volunteer Stephanie says “listening to a child or young person about their thoughts and feelings and knowing you make a difference, no matter how big or small, is what really makes it worthwhile being a volunteer.
“I have been a Childline Volunteer for nearly eight years and have absolutely loved every single minute of it. You learn so much through the training provided.
“I know that we make a difference in children and young people’s lives, and I am very proud to be a Childline volunteer.”
For more information on becoming a Childline volunteer, see ispcc.ie/volunteer-childline or email [email protected].
