Skip to content

Why Clodagh, and others, turned to Childline over Easter

  1. Home
  2. News
  3. Why Clodagh, and others, turned to Childline over Easter

Forget Easter eggs and chocolate bunnies — for many young people, school holidays mean loneliness, fear and overwhelming pressure.

The Easter break should be a time of joy for children: a pause from schoolwork, time with family, and moments of fun and freedom. But for too many young people across Ireland, Easter is anything but easy.

Over the three-day Easter period (April 4th to 6th), Childline received almost 1,000 contacts from children and young people reaching out for support. Behind every contact is a child trying to cope, often in silence. Alarmingly, 20 of those contacts involved discussions about suicide.

Childline, Ireland’s only 24/7/365 listening service for children and young people, sees a consistent spike in demand during holiday periods, when the safety and structure of school is removed.

Give now to make a difference

Easter is one of our busiest times of the year. For many children, school is a sanctuary — a breathing space from chaotic or unsafe home lives. During the holidays they can feel incredibly isolated, especially when they know others are enjoying themselves. Every day, we hear from young people who are experiencing the worst time of their lives.

Elizabeth Donlon Fox Childline Listening National Supervisor

When home doesn’t feel safe

During school holidays, children who are experiencing neglect, emotional distress, family breakdown or abuse often have nowhere to turn. Without trusted adults or the routine of school, worries build and feelings intensify.

The Childline team now spends the equivalent of 146 full days every year supporting children and young people in immediate crisis — listening, reassuring and helping them survive moments of deep distress.

Clodagh’s story*

Clodagh, aged 14, is one of the many young people who turn to Childline during school holidays.

When her parents separated, Clodagh’s world changed overnight. She desperately misses her dad, but sees him only occasionally. At home, her mother struggles with her own mental health, leaving Clodagh to care for her younger siblings — making sure they are fed, washed, dressed, and ready for school, while also cleaning the house and holding everything together.

Instead of enjoying time with friends like other teenagers, Clodagh feels trapped by responsibility, fear and worry. The isolation and pressure took a devastating toll on her mental health.

Eventually, Clodagh felt overwhelmed, hopeless — and suicidal.

On the worst day of her life, she found the courage to call Childline.

At the other end of the phone was a trained volunteer who listened without judgement, took her feelings seriously, and helped her feel less alone at a moment when everything felt unbearable. That conversation helped Clodagh get through the night and begin to find hope again.

Her experience is not unique.

Donate to support children like Clodagh
* Clodagh’s name has been changed to protect her identity.

Seeing the warning signs — and acting

Many children reaching out to Childline show clear signs of distress long before they make contact. Sudden mood changes, withdrawal from friends, difficulties at school, risky behaviour, changes in sleep or appetite, or statements of hopelessness should always be taken seriously.

For children who are struggling to open up to the adults in their lives, Childline offers a confidential, anonymous space — any reason, any time.

One conversation can save a life

When a child is experiencing suicidal thoughts, having someone to listen can change everything. Your support helps ensure trained Childline volunteers are always there — day and night.

It costs just €22 to answer a contact from a suicidal child
Donate €22 today
``