More than 1,000 calls and contacts made to Childline over Christmas

Children’s charity Childline answered more than 1,000 calls, texts and online contacts from children and young people over the Christmas period.

Family conflict, mental health and self-harm were among the issues spoken about by children who sought support over Christmas Eve, Christmas Day and St. Stephen’s Day this year, the charity said.

The figure is a significant increase on last year when 723 children contacted the charity.

Chief executive of the Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (ISPCC) John Church said many children felt upset and isolated over Christmas.

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“While Christmas is often a time of great joy for children and young people, we know from those who turn to Childline that the magic of the season does not reach every child,” he said.

“This year, many children did not wake up to the kind of Christmas Day they had dreamed of. Tensions may have come to the surface in their homes, they may have struggled with challenges to their mental and emotional health, or there may have been an empty place at their table due to bereavement. Many turned to Childline to tell us how they felt anxious, upset and isolated.”

More than 100 volunteers across Ireland gave their time across the Christmas period to help ensure no child or young person had to face their challenges alone, Mr Church said.

“No matter what is on the mind of a child or young person on any day or night of the year, Childline is here to listen to them, believe them, support and empower them. This is made possible with thanks to the exceptional dedication of our Childline volunteers. We are hugely grateful to them for their generosity in giving up their time at Christmas to help make sure every child and young person has somewhere they can turn.”

He also thanked those who support the charity for their donations and fundraising efforts during the year.

“On behalf of all the children and young people who Childline supports, we would like to say thank you to the people of Ireland for all they do to help keep the service here 24 hours a day, every day. At a time when many of the fundraising events on which we rely each year have not been possible, we are sincerely grateful to everyone who has donated or found innovative new ways of raising funds to keep us here for children.”

The 24-hour active listening service is one of a number of Childline services provided by ISPCC. It is free, non-judgmental and non-directive the charity said, and can be contacted online at: Childline.ie, by calling: 1800 66 66 66 or ending a text to: 50101. The charity can be supported at ispcc.ie/Christmas.