Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service for children, ISPCC Childline, is now recruiting volunteers in the North East.
Information sessions for anyone interested in finding out more about volunteering with Childline will take place at the ISPCC Childline office, Distillery House, Dyer Street, Drogheda, Co. Louth, at the following times:
- Monday 26th November: 12pm – 2pm
- Tuesday 27th November: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
- Wednesday 28th November: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Every year, over 380,000 calls are made to Childline’s phone line, live text and webchat services. Children call Childline for many reasons; they might just want to talk to someone, or may be lonely, upset, worried or may have experienced trauma or abuse. When children contact Childline, they are seeking a listening ear and often feel that they have nowhere else to turn.
The free, anonymous and confidential Childline service is staffed by a team of volunteers and staff members who train and supervise volunteers to ensure a consistent and high quality service to children and young people. Volunteers who help Childline listen to children do not need any prior qualifications. They receive comprehensive ongoing training and support before they take their first call and for the duration of their time as a Childline volunteer. All Childline volunteers are trained to listen to and empower young people.
An excellent team atmosphere and spirit of camaraderie and peer support prevails at each Childline office throughout the country. Childline volunteers complete weekly four-hour shifts and facilitate Childline’s 24-hour phone line, live text and webchat services. References are available to volunteers upon completion of commitment.
Childline Regional Supervisor, Drogheda, Danielle Lambe, said: “The Childline training is a comprehensive training course that equips volunteers with the skills to deliver a quality service to children. All Childline volunteers are trained in active listening skills and child-centered practice. Volunteers receive ongoing training and support throughout the year.”
Childline volunteer Peter said: “when a child says thank you, I feel I have made a difference just by being there and listening to what they have to say. We all should have someone we feel we can talk to.”
Childline volunteer Dawn said: “I really believe in the child-centered approach Childline practices. The young person is at the centre of the engagement and they get to control what they share, when they want and how they want and all privately. Young people can also talk about anything and Childline listens, nothing is too small and nothing too big. I love it!”
If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer and helping the vital service listen to children and young people across Ireland 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, see ispcc.ie/volunteer, email [email protected], or call 041 980 9964.
