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26th Dec 2017

ISPCC Childline received over 1,000 calls in Ireland on Christmas Day

Michael Lanigan

Here’s to the volunteers who gave their day over to listening to others.

Volunteers at ISPCC’s Childline responded to 1,020 calls from children and young people nationwide on Christmas day.

The 24-hour listening service, which is a free and non-judgmental phone line, offers support to young callers 365 days a year. According to the ISPCC, on Christmas Day, callers were witnessing or experiencing violence or abuse in their homes and were audibly distressed. Others spoke about depression or anxiety, while some called to thank the volunteers for their support over the course of 2017.

ISPCC CEO Grainia Long said, “Christmas is just another day for children and young people across Ireland who are scared, lonely, anxious, or upset. For that reason, committed Childline volunteers freely give of their time to be there to listen, to support and to empower. For this, we are extremely grateful.

“Childine is there 24 hours a day, 365 days a year for children and young people throughout Ireland seeking a listening ear. Our phone line can be contacted 24 hours a day at 1800 66 66 66, while our text line and online chat services can be contacted between 10am and 4am by texting ‘Talk’ to 50101 or visiting childline.ie.

“Childline volunteers show tremendous commitment and dedication in working tirelessly and passionately to bring about positive change in the lives of all children and young people in Ireland.

“Childline relies on the sustained generous support expressed by the general public and for this we sincerely thank everyone who has supported us in 2017.”

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