NI children charity warns of rise in counselling sessions with disabled
NSPCC says some young people may be too scared to look for help
A top charity warned today that disabled young people facing abuse or neglect, could be too scared to seek help.
The NSPCC says its Childline volunteers in Belfast and Foyle delivered a total of 874 counselling sessions over the year.
UK figures show a worrying 13% rise in sessions with the charity dealing with an average of 22 calls a day.
Mairead Monds, Childline's NI manager said: “Disabled young people contact us about a range of issues.
“This would include their mental health, their emotional well-being, bullying, family and friendship issues.
“We would urge any child or young person with any concern whether that’s around disability or other issues to contact Childline.”
The NSPCC says research has shown that disabled young people are three times more likely to be abused or neglected than non-disabled children3 and they are also less likely to receive the protection and support they need when they have been abused.
In 2016/17, disabled young people sought help for concerns including mental and emotional health, issues relating to their own disability, educational need or health condition, bullying, and family relationships and friendship issues.
Some told Childline they were scared about their future and described feeling nervous about how their disability or condition might impact on achieving their ambitions