Making their mark – the tattoo shops teaming up for Childline

Three tattoo shops in Cork are coming together for one day only to support the fabulous work carried out by ISPCC volunteers on our 24/7 Childline listening service. 

On Friday, October 13, 2023, Black Poppy, Smiley Dogg and Art Lab will donate 100% of their profits to ISPCC. Customers can choose from flash sheets ranging from €60 to €100, while temporary tattoos are also available, including Childline-related symbols and Friday the 13th effects. 

The three shops will be open from 11am to 6pm, and people can donate in each studio when they’re paying for their tattoo. Those who are unable to make the event or want to make an extra donation can go to the Childline idonate page: https://www.idonate.ie/cause/ISPCC

For Dee Byrne of Smiley Dogg Tattoo, teaming up with their supposed rivals was an easy decision. “By uniting with other tattoo studios in the community in support of the Childline fundraiser, we are demonstrating that art, compassion and collective effort can bring about meaningful change,” says Dee. 

She adds that Childline’s mission of providing a lifeline for vulnerable children and adolescents resonates deeply with her and her fellow creatives at Smiley Dogg Tattoo, which has two branches in Cork city – at North Main St and Oliver Plunkett Street. 

“We hope that by engaging in this fundraiser, we can channel our creative passion into making a difference in these young lives. Each ink stroke will serve as a symbol of optimism and hope, a testament to the resilience of these youngsters and a reminder that art can go beyond visual appearances to positively impact lives.”

Dee’s feelings are echoed by Jacob Stahlecker, co-owner of Black Poppy, which is located on Father Matthew St, who says that the artists at the studio have been committed to giving back to our adopted homes and community since it opened in 2020. He is very happy to support the fundraiser for Childline, a service that provides support for all children and young people, no matter what’s on their mind. 

ISPCC needs to raise over 75% 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 says a huge thank you to our fabulous volunteers

This National Volunteering Week (15-21 May, 2023), ISPCC wants to say a huge thank you to all our wonderful volunteers who are always available to listen to children and young people throughout Ireland.

We couldn’t provide the services and support we do without our selfless volunteers who go out of their way time and again to offer support to those who need it, whenever they need it, no matter the reason.

“Our dedicated volunteers and teams around the country listen and support children and young people, no matter what is on their mind or what they may be going through,” says Caroline O’Sullivan, ISPCC Director of Services. “Childline is there, unconditionally for them.  Our online chat service is ideal for children who may feel more comfortable seeking support by typing and messaging about what is going on for them.”

According to Megan Sarl, who has been volunteering with Childline for 10 years, the conversations through online have become increasingly serious, with self-harm a big issue, as well as anxiety, stress over exams and family disagreements also being regularly discussed. For teens, body image and stress over social media is causing a lot of anxiety. 

The Childline 24/7 listening service is anonymous, a fact that Megan thinks really helps children and young people to express what’s on their mind to a supportive listener.

“So many people feel that they can’t talk to others about what’s going on in their lives,” says Val Beegan, a volunteer with Childline’s Limerick unit. Val knows all about what’s on the minds of children and young people as she’s been volunteering with Childline for over 25 years. 

Val has been involved in every type of conversation from children devastated to be thrown out of their friends’ what’s app group to young people wanting to stop self-harming but unable to do so.

They all need to be heard, says Val, and talking can make a real difference.