Childline, the counselling service run by the NSPCC, will be providing round the clock support to thousands of children and young people across the UK this festive season.
Last year, the service delivered 5,501 counselling sessions during the 12 days of Christmas (24th December to 4th January) – averaging out at around 450 per day – with volunteers and staff working right through the festive holiday. During that period, counsellors saw a seven per cent increase in concerns about family relationships compared with the previous year.
Christmas can be a challenging time
As this year’s festive season fast approaches, Childline counsellors know that while many children will be looking forward to spending time with their loved ones, for others Christmas can be a challenging time.
Next week, on the longest night of the year, landmarks across the South East including Rochester Cathedral, Gravesend Clocktower, Maidstone County Hall, St Thomas’s Church Ryde, Lancing College Chapel and Shoreham Fort will join dozens more across the UK in lighting up green to create a striking visual reminder that Childline is there for children and young people in their darkest hours.
Family-related concerns
For some, spending an extended amount of time at home with their family can lead to tensions or amplify existing issues and this can leave many children feeling upset and isolated.
The family-related concerns that children shared with Childline last Christmas included:
- Increased family conflict.
- Facing their first Christmas without a loved one.
- Struggling to cope with their own mental health or family members who have mental health issues.
- Concerns about parents or carers drinking more than usual over the Christmas period.
- Feeling worried or guilty about Christmas placing additional financial pressure on their family.
- Struggling with eating or body issues, such as feeling pressure to eat more than usual, worried about eating in front of other people or having to hide disordered eating habits.
Evans: I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given
Hollie Evans, from Dartford, called Childline in her darkest hours. She said,
“Christmas is a time for family and friends, coming together and making memories. That’s what we’re doing. But a few years ago, it would have been impossible for me to have done that.
“If I hadn’t called Childline there is a chance I wouldn’t be here today and I would never have had another Christmas. I’m so grateful for all the support I’ve been given. Thank you.”
Friel: Not every child feels happy over the Christmas period
Shaun Friel, Childline Director, said,
“At Childline, our trained counsellors know that sadly not every child feels happy over the Christmas period.
“The festive season can be a high-pressured time for families, and we hear from thousands of children during the twelve days of Christmas who need our help and support.
“For some the issues they encounter all year round can worsen over the festive season and for others it can present new concerns.
“With schools closed and children having limited access to wider support networks, we know for those who are struggling that Childline can be a lifeline.”
To enable the charity to be there for all children this festive season, visit the NSPCC website to donate to the charity’s Christmas appeal. Just £4 could help a counsellor answer a call.
Walk for Children
You can also help raise vital funds for the service by rallying your friends and family to sign up to the Walk for Children and walk 5k on 22nd December.
Children can contact Childline on 0800 1111 or childline.org.uk
News shared by Sophie on behalf of NSPCC. Ed
