Breakfast is Better Together! Host your very own Childline Breakfast this May and help Childline be there 24/7 for every child who needs us

Childline Breakfast 2025 Event

Wouldn’t it be nice to carve out a little time at the start of day to have a chat over your tea and toast?

This May, Childline by ISPCC is calling on families, creches, schools, clubs and workplaces throughout the country to take time for breakfast – to sit, listen and enjoy each other’s company while supporting Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and teenagers nationwide. 

Childline has seen a dramatic rise in demand for all its services. Children reach out to talk to Childline staff and volunteers about family relationships, mental and emotional health and sexual abuse. 

Please join us by hosting your own breakfast so we can continue to be there for every child who needs us.

The Childline Breakfast initiative is once again proudly supported by McCambridge Bread. Those who sign up to host a breakfast will receive an ISPCC Breakfast Pack, including a fresh delivery of McCambridge Bread*.

You will also receive your own digital pack that includes conversation starter cards designed by our in-house therapeutic experts at Childline that will help you to encourage check-ins with the children and young people in your life.

Deirdre McNamara, Director, Marketing and Communications, ISPCC, says “We are delighted to be bringing Childline Breakfast back for 2025! Taking time out to talk and listen to family and friends is hugely beneficial for all. At Childline, we know how important it is that people feel heard, which is why we’re calling for everyone to come on board this year and host their own breakfast and help raise funds for Childline. Small donation can make a big difference for children who need someone to listen.”

You can support us here www.ispcc.ie

If you’re interested in learning more about ISPCC’s Breakfast initiative, contact: [email protected] or go to https://www.ispcc.ie/event/childline-breakfast-2025/

Go on, choose a day this May and enjoy a breakfast together for Childline!

 

* If you’re part of a school, club, crèche, or business, you will receive a special delivery of fresh McCambridge bread. We will be in touch after you register to discuss the date and estimated number of people participating – we will ensure there is enough for everyone!

The Lovely Show X Childline Special Episode

The Lovely Show Teams Up with Childline by ISPCC for Special Episode Answering Real Questions from Real Kids

The Lovely Show, hosted by Justine Stafford and Kevin McGahern

Comedy duo Justine Stafford and Kevin McGahern are using their platform for good in a powerful new episode of The Lovely Show. This special edition of the hit podcast is created in partnership with Childline by ISPCC, and it features the hosts answering real questions submitted by real children across Ireland.

In the episode, Justine and Kevin step into the shoes of Childline’s dedicated volunteers to respond with empathy, humour and honesty to questions submitted through Childline’s Ask the Team feature, where young people can anonymously share their thoughts or worries online.

The episode will touch on everything from friendships and feelings, to worries and growing up, all handled with the warm humour and relatability that The Lovely Show is known for.

The episode was released on Monday, April 14 and will be available wherever you get your podcasts and on HeadStuffPodcasts.com. Or you can click on the link below to listen on spotify. 

“Childline provides amazing help to kids and teenagers who need it. We’re delighted to help them in our own small way” – Kevin McGahern

“Childline is a wonderful service available to young people in Ireland today offering help to young people going through difficult situations as well as also offering a kind ear to talk to at any time. Being a part of this episode educated me in just how wide the range of conversations are at Childline and we hope we were able to offer help in a small way through discussing our own life experiences and struggles we faced growing up” – Justine Stafford.

“At Childline, we know that children and young people need different types of support at different times of their lives, but they always need someone to listen. We’re excited to partner with The Lovely Show, a unique collaboration for Childline. Justine and Kevin offer a refreshing perspective on the challenges faced by children and young people, one that will definitely be appreciated by listeners.”– Matthew Boyd, Childline by ISPCC

ISPCC & Javelin Dublin Win Best Radio, Craft, and Copywriting at the Irish Audio Awards

ISPCC & Javelin Dublin won Best Radio, Craft and Copywriting for their Christmas 2024 radio campaign - Once I was that Child, voiced by Saoirse Ronan, at the Irish Audio Awards

Clayton Homer, Javelin; Deirdre McNamara, ISPCC; Aoife Hofler, Javelin; & Des Kavanagh, Javlein

The ISPCC (Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children) and Javelin Dublin earned top honours at the 2025 Irish Audio awards, winning Best Radio, Craft, and Copywriting for their Christmas 2024 campaign, Once I Was That Child. Voiced by the acclaimed Saoirse Ronan, this emotionally charged radio ad captured the heartbreaking reality faced by vulnerable children in Ireland.

Hosted by Anton Savage, the awards took place on March 27th at Dublin’s Smock Alley Theatre and celebrated outstanding achievements in audio production. Out of 150 entries, 30 were shortlisted, and nine awards were presented on the night.. The win for ISPCC and Javelin Dublin stood out, reflecting the powerful combination of exceptional craft, storytelling, and the emotional depth that made this campaign so impactful.

The Once I Was That Child radio campaign was launched last November in support of ISPCC’s Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children. In the ad, Saoirse Ronan calls attention to the grim statistics faced by young people in Ireland. The shocking truth revealed by the campaign includes that 300 children a year contact Childline about sexual abuse, 50 children annually attempt to take their own lives while on the phone to Childline and 50 weekly contacts are related to various forms of abuse. Ronan’s voice brought these harrowing statistics to life, urging the people of Ireland to reflect on the hidden suffering of children in their communities.

ISPCC’s Once I Was That Child is more than just an award-winning radio ad; it is a call to action for the Irish public to support a vital service that helps children in crisis. With the backing of Saoirse Ronan and a message that resonated deeply, the campaign helped to shine a light on the darkness faced by too many young people in Ireland today.

Help is finally here for the parents of children suffering from anxiety

ISPCC offers free Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing Programmes to support parents as well as children and young people experiencing mental health difficulties

March 18, 2025

A parent whose child is suffering from anxiety can feel utterly helpless. They are desperate to help them but simply don’t know what to do.  For a parent whose child is on the CAMHS waiting list, the waiting time can feel interminable. If you live in Cork or Kerry, one of the areas in the country with the longest waiting times, it can feel catastrophic. But there is something a parent can do to help their child – and themselves.

ISPCC provides three separate but complimentary Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing programmes, two of which are available to parents/carers of either anxious children or teens while the third is aimed at teenagers experiencing low to moderate levels of anxiety.

ISPCC offers these programmes to all, it isn’t necessary to be on a CAMHS waiting list to avail of them.

The online programmes, which are all free, are based on the principles of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, or CBT, and are created by SilverCloud, a leading digital mental health provider.

For Susan Nicholson, who completed the Supporting an Anxious Child programme after her GP recommended that her daughter Lauren attend CAMHS, the ISPCC programmes were invaluable.

“I wanted to do something that would help our family to support Lauren. The programme encouraged to me to look at the positives, rather than focusing on the effects of her anxiety. Going through the programme, you could see what other parents were going through and you’re able to relate to their challenges. To know that other people are going through is very helpful. As a parent, you’re supposed to know all the answers, and it’s scary.

“Starting the programme was such an easy process. I liked the fact that it was anonymous, nobody knew me and I didn’t have to go to a meeting in person. It was such a personal experience – in a good way. I didn’t feel like I was just another number.

 

Supporting an Anxious Child and Supporting an Anxious Teen are programmes that will help users to understand anxiety and better support their child or young person. Space from Anxiety is aimed at 15–18-year-olds, and it is designed to empower young people who experience low to moderate anxiety. An adult can refer themselves or their child to the programmes.

The programmes includes interactive tools, activities, mood monitors and journals to encourage users to apply CBT to their own lives. Users have 12 weeks in which to complete the programme under the guidance of a volunteer, known as a supporter, and can avail of an unsupported version of the programme for one year after this time. 

“Chloe [my supporter] was very empathetic,” says Susan. “When you’re in this situation, it’s great when you know someone else cares. I felt as if she cared about Lauren.”

Dee Higgins, an ISPCC volunteer who works on its Digital Mental Health and Wellbeing programmes, believes that the programmes are empowering for users of all ages. “It gives parents and young people a chance to deal with their anxieties before it becomes a huge issue,” she said, adding that “if parents can understand what their child is going through, that’s a huge step.” 

To find out more, go to https://www.ispcc.ie/guided-digital-programmes/

  • ISPCC delivery of these programmes is supported by the HSE National Office for Suicide Prevention, as part of ‘Connecting for Life, Ireland’s National Strategy to Reduce Suicide’

Get up, get out and get talking to help Childline by ISPCC help children and young people in Ireland

Lap and Chat for Childline

Childline by ISPCC urges the nation to get chatting with our Lap and Chat fundraising campaign

February 12, 2025

Get talking while walking and help children and young people by supporting the ‘Lap and Chat’ fundraising campaign from Childline by ISPCC.

The aim of this wellbeing initiative is to help children and teenagers open up about their worries, listen to others and reflect on their feelings with the added benefit of getting out and about and being active.

The campaign was developed in direct response to the worries of callers to Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service.  

We know from talking to children and young people that their worries range from sibling rivalry and differences in music tastes to exam anxiety, confusion about sexuality and self-harming.

This spring, Childline by ISPCC is calling on schools, clubs and creches to take part in our latest campaign by walking a lap while having a chat with a friend in the yard, school or local area. 

We listen to children and young people sharing their worries every day so we know how vital it is for them to discuss what’s on their mind with people they trust. 

Childline provides a supportive listening ear for all those worries and anything else on the minds of our callers.  “If a worry is big to any of our callers, it’s big to us at Childline,” says John Church, ISPCC CEO. 

ISPCC needs to raise up to 75% of its funding each year from donations and the charity is grateful for all support which helps ensure its services and supports are available to children and young people all day, every day.  

To find out more about the campaign, including information on how to sign up a school, club or creche, visit https://www.ispcc.ie/event/lap-and-chat-for-childline-2025/

 ISPCC will provide a virtual wellbeing talk and reflection workbooks to help those embarking on Lap and Chat to further explore their feelings and any concerns they may have.

The Lap and Chat event can be held any time in March. 

 

Revealed: How one-third of young people* may be addicted to social media

New research shows that one in three young respondents neglects work, family or school several times a week or more because of social media use

This Safer Internet Day (11.02.25), experts from Ireland and Europe will discuss research revealing concerns over the exposure of young people to harmful content online, powerful algorithms and the need for effective digital media literacy

Dublin, February 11th, 2024:  Today, February 11th marks the 22nd anniversary of Safer Internet Day, a landmark global event in the online safety calendar and celebrated in over 180 countries.

New research from the first ever EU-wide survey on loneliness** indicates that one-third of young respondents exhibit patterns of social-media addiction. They have neglected work, family or school several times a week or more because of their social-media habits. The detrimental impact of this will be discussed today among experts from Ireland and Europe as part of Safer Internet Day.

In the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre study, intensive users are defined as respondents who report that they spend more than two hours a day on social media sites or instant messaging tools. Spending this length of time on social media is associated with a substantial increase in the prevalence of loneliness among young people.  However, researchers also point out that how social media is used matters more than how often it is used.

The Irish Safer Internet Centre knows through engagement with children and young people that they are concerned about navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape, and they freely discuss that they feel they spend too much time online. However, more research is crucial to truly understand the challenges they face. Consequently, the Irish Safer Internet Centre will be devoting additional resources to embarking on continuous research in this area in the coming year.

The theme for Safer Internet Day 2025 is “Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers.” This theme encourages parents, schools, educators, young people and all stakeholders to consider how algorithms and influencers shape young people’s lives.

The key issues that will be discussed during Safer Internet Day 2025 include harmful online content, safety by design, regulation and children’s rights, among many others.

Safer Internet Day 2025 kicks off today with an event in Microsoft’s Dream Space. It will feature keynote addresses from Professor Debbie Ging (DCU), 5Rights Foundation and the European Centre for Algorithmic Transparency, which is part of the Joint Research Centre at the European Commission. In addition, the event will include contributions from the Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett; Webwise Youth Advisory Panel; the Competition and Consumer Protection Commission; ISPCC; Media Literacy Ireland; Microsoft, Hotline.ie; and National Parents Council.

Minister for Education Helen McEntee TD said: “As Minister for Education and Youth, it is a key priority of mine to work to safeguard and support the wellbeing of our pupils, students and school communities across Ireland. I am very pleased therefore to join Webwise and the Irish Safer Internet Centre, as well as experts from across Ireland and Europe, in marking Safer Internet Day today and highlighting the key themes of prepare, protect and thrive.

“While technology brings many exciting benefits and opportunities, it can also expose pupils and students to negative impacts. It is imperative that we use every lever available to us to help ensure they can stay safe and have the very best opportunity to thrive.

“I look forward to prioritising this area and to working collaboratively with our pupils, students, parents, teachers, school communities and wider education stakeholders over the months and years ahead to make sure our pupils and students are digitally literate, can safely harness the best of what technology presents and can get a mental break from technology too, to empower them to make friends and enjoy their time at school.”

Jane McGarrigle, National Co-ordinator, Webwise, said: “Technology is everywhere and it isn’t something that should be feared. We believe in encouraging children to engage with new technologies, however we are also cognisant of the importance of preparing them for the dangers they may encounter online. We want to empower them with the coping skills and resilience they need to thrive in the digital world. We also want to assure them that there is always support available if they need it and if they feel that their use of technology has become problematic.”

Online Safety Commissioner Niamh Hodnett said: “Coimisiún na Meán is focused on shaping a media landscape that safeguards the rights, wellbeing and development of children, and their safe engagement online. We are delighted to be supporting Webwise and their Safer Internet Day campaign this which this year is Prepare / Protect / Thrive: Navigating Algorithms and Influencers. Following the launch of our Online Safety Code in October of last year, Coimisiún na Meán’s Online Safety Framework is now in place, and we are continuing to prioritise a safer internet for children and young people.”

Safer Internet Day in Ireland is coordinated by the Irish Safer Internet Centre, a partnership between Hotline, ISPCC, National Parents Council and Webwise, providing a range of complementary online safety services, including an education and awareness centre, child and parent helplines and a hotline. The Centre is coordinated by the Department of Justice and co-funded by the European Union.

*In the EU study, young people are categorised as aged between 16 and 30 years

**The EU-wide study on loneliness (EU-LS) was conducted by the Joint Research Centre as part of a European Parliament pilot project in partnership with the Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs & Inclusion. To learn more about the paper on Loneliness and Social Media Use in the European Union, click here

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Wanted: Volunteers to help Childline listen to children in need

2 women at call center

New year, new challenges facing Childline as children and young people increasingly reach out for support. Childline needs volunteers to be ready to listen to any child when they need to talk.

Volunteers are the heart and soul behind Childline’s 24/7 listening service for children and young people. These men and women go out of their way time and again to offer support to those who need it, whenever they need it, no matter the reason.

The Childline listening service is now recruiting volunteers for its office in Dun Laoghaire. Its 24/7 listening service is free and confidential and can be reached online or by phone.  

Childline volunteers come from all walks of life and are united by one common purpose: to help ensure no child or young person in Ireland has to face their challenges alone, no matter how big or small.  

Many children and young people need to talk to a supportive listener. A total of 820 children and young people contacted Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service during Christmas*, representing a 12% increase in connections made in 2024 compared with Christmas 2023.  

Childline needs more volunteers to be ready to listen to these children and young people.

Volunteers receive full training in advance of answering their first contact and ongoing support and upskilling thereafter. The first training session of 2025 starts in February. 

 An excellent team spirit and sense of support prevails at Childline units throughout the country where volunteers gather for their four-hour weekly shift. 

Childline volunteer Dee says that she never expected to get so much back from volunteering in her own life. “I have learned so many new skills and made friends from all walks of life. We are all united with a common purpose: to make sure every child has somewhere they can turn.”

Another volunteer Liz says that although she was initially nervous at the thought of becoming a volunteer with Childline, she is delighted that she did it. “People always think that you’re dealing with the most neglected children of society but this is not necessarily the truth, so many children just need to talk. It tugs at my heartstrings that so many children need Childline.”

If you would like more information on becoming a Childline volunteer at our unit in Dun Laoghaire and helping the service to listen to children and young people, please go to https://www.ispcc.ie/volunteer-with-childline/

ISPCC reveals that for many children in Ireland, Christmas was a day of trauma and despair with over 820 children reaching out to Childline over the Christmas period*

December 26th will be one of busiest days of the year for Childline with data showing a 12% increase in contacts made to Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service for children and young people

 Dublin, December 26th, 2024 – Childline, today (St Stephen’s Day 2024), reveals that 820 children and young people contacted Ireland’s only 24-hour listening service during Christmas*, representing a 12% increase in connections made this year compared with Christmas 2023.  The heartbreaking data complied over a three-day Christmas period (December 23rd, 24th and 25th) shows that:

For many children, Christmas is not a time of joy but one of fear and misery as they contact Childline to talk about: suicide, abuse, neglect, bereavement and loneliness

There has been a noticeable trend over the last year whereby those children engaging with Childline are at extremely high risk of harm. Sadly, such stark revelations come as no surprise to the dedicated team of staff and volunteers at ISPCC.   

Elizabeth Donlon Fox, National Childline Listening Co-ordinator said: “Our data reveals that today, December 26th, will be one of the busiest days of the year for our team of staff and volunteers at Childline, and we expect that over 250 children and young people will reach out to us today because of something that has happened to them over Christmas.”

John Church, CEO, ISPCC said: “For too many children and young people, Christmas simply doesn’t happen. They turn to Childline for support, and our amazing staff and volunteers are there for them 24/7 over Christmas, as they are throughout the year. We depend on donations for up to 90% of the funding which keeps us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year. Without this help, we would not be able to be here for every child who needs us.”

Additional statistics from Ireland’s only 24/7 listening service for children and young people reveal:  

  •      * 50 children a year are in the process of trying to take their own life while on the phone to the Childline team    
  •      * Over 200 actively suicidal children have contacted Childline during the last year
  •      * The Childline team has had 1,300 suicide-related contacts over the past 12 months

Too many children and young people don’t have the Christmas that they dream of and deserve. Instead, a day that should be full of joy is nothing special and sometimes a lot worse. To help Childline help those children whose Christmas dreams have turned to nightmares, go to ispcc.ie  

*Christmas statistics refer to December 23, December 24 and December 25

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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.

ISPCC honoured with award for ‘hard-hitting campaign that exposed truth about childhood in Ireland’

ISPCC wins top accolade at Awards for Excellence in PR

ISPCC has received the top accolade for the Best Short-Term Media Campaign at the Awards for Excellence in Public Relations for its campaign ‘For some children, Christmas doesn’t happen’.

The awards, which have been co-hosted by the Public Relations Consultants Association Ireland (PRCA) and the Public Relations Institute of Ireland (PRII) for the past 30 years, recognise the best in Irish public relations, public affairs and internal communications across the public and private sectors. 

There had been an initial 37 submissions in ISPCC’s category, which was then short-listed to a group of five finalists. 

The judges said that it was a close contest, “but the winning entry was a hard-hitting campaign that showed no fear of exposing harsh truths about childhood in Ireland.”
They added that “this was a strategic and well-planned campaign, with excellent use of research and timing. Challenging objectives were clearly achieved with tangible results. Kudos to an in-house team that surely worked long hours over the holidays period.”

Deirdre McNamara, ISPCC Head of Marketing and Communications, said that “ISPCC was delighted to see our campaign recognised by our peers. This achievement is testament to the amazing work of everyone at ISPCC.

“For too many children and young people, Christmas is sadly just another day. For some, the issues they encounter all year can worsen. It can mean abuse, neglect and loneliness. For others, Christmas can present new worries and concerns. Whatever the reason, they turn to Childline for support and for someone to listen.”

“At Childline we rely heavily on public generosity to help us to be here for every child who needs us.  We depend on this generosity to keep us listening 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days of the year.” 

• To support Childline and help keep volunteers listening to children and young people, please support the Childline Summer appeal and donate at www.ispcc.ie.