CHILDLINE ADVICE: Please support us in children's time of need

Childhoods have been disrupted by this pandemic, and Childline has been inundated with calls from children discussing their concerns about the coronavirus, with some expressing suicidal feelings.

We’ve changed fast to make sure we’re here today when children need someone to turn to. But we don’t know what challenges will come next. You can help us ensure that we’re still here for children tomorrow. Just £5 means we can continue supporting children when they need us most. Maybe that’s the money you’re saving from your gym membership, or car parking. But you can choose to donate it to Childline, and help us ensure that we’re still here for children. Like the NHS and emergency services, our volunteers have stepped up to work extra hours to make sure that more children are able to speak to a counsellor as and when they need them. Other NSPCC staff, including our ‘Speak out. Stay safe.’ school service volunteers, are training up to help the Childline team, too. There has never been a more important time to show your support. In the last week, children have been coming forward with a number of concerns. These range from concern about school exams and whether they will get into secondary school or University, to feeling unsafe or isolated in their home, and even discussing feelings after losing someone they know. Some children have even said they are considering suicide. The coping techniques that children normally use to boost their wellbeing are no longer available to them. Their routines have been turned upside down, and they have lost many of their social events and support systems. A lot of children and young people are talking to us about how they miss their usual groups and clubs, as Childline counsellor, Beckie, says: “Some of the things young people mention which usually helped them with their wellbeing were activities like hanging out with friends or going to groups like cadets or guides. Of course, now they can’t do those things, children are trying to find other ways to get support.”

Another big problem for children during the lockdown is the inability to access their usual designated support systems; like counselling sessions through CAMHS, for example. Lots of children have already been in touch worried that their sessions have been cancelled, and aren’t sure who they can talk to about their thoughts and feelings. That’s why Childline is doing everything possible to remain open and available for young people to get in touch. We want to ensure that every child has access to free, non- judgemental counselling wherever they are and whatever situation they are in.

Even if a child does seem to be managing well on the surface, it’s useful to signpost them to resources like Childline. Our counsellors are there as a first port of call for a child, and it’s important to note that it doesn’t matter how big or small a worry is- we’re still here to talk them through it.

Childline is there for every child, no matter their circumstances. That’s why it’s important that we can continue to offer an accessible service to children all over the UK, especially at a time like this.

If you can donate, please visit the NSPCC website, or get in touch over the phone 020 7825 2505.

Children can call Childline for free on 0800 1111, or access a 1-2-1 chat on the Childline website. For more information on how to support children during this time, visit our coronavirus support hub at nspcc.org.uk.