ISPCC Childline Asks Public To Help Change Children’s Lives

Childline appeals to the nation to help to change the lives of children through its national Childline Change appeal from 10th to 17th May.

TodayFM broadcaster Paula MacSweeney has joined the campaign to highlight the importance of the Childline service to every child in Ireland and urged the public to support the appeal through donations on street, at participating retailers and online at ispcc.ie.

Childline Change will raise vital funds to keep the service listening to children and young people at every hour of every day and night. Children contact Childline for many reasons – they may feel hurt, scared, lonely or upset, or may simply wish to have someone to speak with. They may have experienced abuse or trauma and feel as though they have no-one who will listen.

Childline volunteers are there to listen to, support and empower children and young people who contact the service at all times of the day and night through whichever means they feel most comfortable with – calling or chatting online. Children and young people can contact Childline by calling 1800 66 66 66 or chatting online at Childline.ie.

Between May 10th and 17th, customers will be offered the opportunity to donate to Childline at retailers supporting this year’s Childline Change appeal including Aldi, Vodafone, Tiger, Art and Hobby, Fresh, selected Haven Pharmacy outlets, The Health Store, Bamboo App, Burritos and Blues and Pitt Bros.

Childline Change volunteers will descend upon cities and towns of Ireland to raise funds for the service on Friday May 17th. The annual collection will take place in Cork the previous day, Thursday May 16th. Individuals who would like to support the appeal will also have the chance to do so online at ispcc.ie. 

ISPCC CEO John Church said: “ISPCC Childline is calling on people across the country to use their change this Childline Change week (May 10th to 17th) to make a powerful difference in the lives of children and young people across Ireland. The Childline service answers over 310,000 contacts every year. Children make contact in relation to all sorts of issues – they may have suffered abuse, may be experiencing bullying, may be confused about their sexuality or identity or may simply wish to have someone who will listen. Often, children and young people are too upset at first to voice how they are really feeling. With your support, Childline will always be there to listen to, empower and support any child or young person in Ireland – even when there may not be other services available. A call to Childline can change a child’s life.

“Childline costs €3.5 million to run every year and relies on public support for almost 90 per cent of this funding. You can have a very positive impact by supporting this year’s Childline Change appeal at one of our participating retailers, by donating on street or by donating online. You will be a part of every contact Childline answers.“

TodayFM’s Paula MacSweeney said: “I am delighted to support Childline’s national Childline Change 2019 appeal. This is a wonderful opportunity for individuals across Ireland to help empower children and young people by keeping Childline listening 24 hours a day, every day. I urge you to show your support for Childline and help make sure every child and young person in Ireland always has somewhere to turn.”

More information regarding Childline Change is also available at ispcc.ie/childlinechange.

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