Why ISPCC is giving a huge thank you to Ohk Energy and Caelan Doris

Childline by ISPCC says a huge thank you to Ohk Energy and their ambassador, rugby star Caelan Doris, who teamed up to support the vital work carried out by the charity with their phenomenal Power a Brighter Future initiative.

In just one month the combined efforts of Ohk Energy and Childline Champion Caelan Doris raised over €16,000 which will go directly to help the children and young people who need ISPCC’s vital services.

As part of the campaign, from August 6, 2024, to September 6, 20,24 €50 from every Ohk Energy sale of solar PV systems and air-to-water heat pumps was donated to Childline. Ohk Energy is a new group brand comprised of leading renewable energy providers NRG Panel and JFW Renewables.

John Church, CEO of ISPCC, said: “We are so grateful for the generous support from the team at Ohk Energy and our Childline Champion Caelan Doris. They are really helping us to offer a lifeline to all the children and young people who need us. The reality is that we could not continue to carry out the work we do if it wasn’t for these wonderful and essential collaborations with our partners. We truly appreciate the commitment from Ohk Energy and Caelan Doris to helping us make a real difference in the lives of those who need us.”

 

ISPCC needs to raise over 70% of its funding through donations each year to ensure we can be there to support children and young people 24 hours a day, 365 days of the year. We rely on the generosity of the public and are grateful for all support. We encourage children to reach out for any reason.

How to talk about sex and consent

Your Question

How can I talk to my 2 daughters about consent and sex? One of my daughters is 15 and I think she deserves to know so she can have a healthy relationship growing up

Answer

  • Hello, and welcome to Ask Robyn,
Thank you for reaching out and for being proactive about your daughters’ well-being. It’s understandable that you want to ensure they grow up with a healthy understanding of relationships, consent, and sex. These conversations can be challenging, but they are crucial for helping young people navigate their lives safely and confidently.
 
When discussing consent and sex with your daughters, it’s important to create an open and supportive environment where they feel comfortable asking questions and expressing their thoughts. Start by talking about consent as a fundamental part of any relationship—emphasise that it’s about respect, communication, and mutual agreement. It’s not just about saying “no” but also about feeling empowered to say “yes” or “no” without pressure. This sets a foundation for them to understand that their boundaries—and others’—should always be respected.
 
Given that your older daughter is 15, she may already have been exposed to information about sex from peers or media, which may not always be accurate or healthy. It’s important to address any misinformation and offer her a safe space to explore her feelings and questions. Be honest and clear about the physical and emotional aspects of sex, and emphasise the importance of making informed decisions. Encourage her to think about what a healthy relationship looks like—one built on trust, mutual respect, and open communication.
 
As for your younger daughter, if she is not yet ready for a detailed discussion about sex, focus on the concept of consent in everyday situations—like sharing toys or personal space—so that she begins to understand the importance of respect and boundaries. You can build on these conversations as she gets older, gradually introducing more age-appropriate information about relationships and sexuality.
 
Remember, this is not a one-time conversation but an ongoing dialogue. Let your daughters know that they can come to you with any questions or concerns, and that you’re there to guide and support them as they navigate these topics. It’s also okay to admit if you don’t have all the answers right away—you can explore the information together. 
 

These are some articles from the Childline website which may be useful for you:

 
If you would like to talk more about this, our Support Line is open Monday-Friday, 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM at 01 5224300, or you can email [email protected]. We’re here to help.
 
Best wishes,
Robyn

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Son addicted to cigarettes

Your Question

My teenage son is addicted to smoking cigarettes and I want him to stop

Answer

Hello, and welcome to our Ask Robyn service.

Thank you for reaching out and sharing your worries about your son’s smoking habit. It’s clear that you care deeply about his well-being, and it’s completely natural to feel anxious and unsure about how to help him through this challenge. Addressing smoking addiction in teenagers is no easy task, and you’re already taking a crucial step by looking  for advice and support.
 
It’s important to remember that smoking, particularly in teenagers, often stems from a variety of factors, including peer pressure, stress, or even a way to assert independence. Understanding the root causes of his smoking can help you approach the situation with empathy and patience. You might find it helpful to have an open and honest conversation with your son about why he started smoking and how he feels about it. This can pave the way for finding solutions together.
 
Another step could involve your General Practitioner (GP). They can provide medical advice tailored to your son’s specific needs and may suggest options such as nicotine replacement therapy or other supportive measures. Your GP can also help assess if there are any underlying issues contributing to his smoking, such as anxiety or depression, which might need to be addressed simultaneously.
 
Your son doesn’t have to go through this alone, and neither do you. Encourage him to reach out to Childline, a service that offers confidential, non-judgmental support for young people. Childline is available 24/7, and your son can contact them for free at 1800 66 66 66, or by Messenger at www.Childline.ie. It’s a safe space where he can talk openly about his struggles, explore his options, and receive guidance from trained facilitators The anonymity and confidentiality of the service can help him feel more comfortable seeking help.
 
Let your son know that there is no shame in asking for support. Many young people find it difficult to quit smoking, but with the right resources and encouragement, it is entirely possible. Here is the link to the HSE website regarding how to quit smoking www2.hse.ie/living-well/quit-smoking/get-help-to-quit/.
 
Lastly, if you would like to talk more about this, our Support Line is available Monday to Friday from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm at 01 5224300. You can also reach us via email at [email protected]. We’re here to support you in finding the best way forward for both you and your son during this challenging time.
 
Warm regards,
Robyn

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You can ask us about anything you want, there’s nothing too big or small.

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