Childline expects more calls across Bucks, Beds and Herts over festive period
A fifth of calls to Childline happen in December and January
A children's charity says it expects to see a rise in the number of young people across Bucks, Beds and Herts using their helplines over the festive period.
A fifth of calls to Childline happen in December and January
According to Childline, over the past year, they're delivered over 15,000 counselling session.
In over 2,250 cases, children have spoken about their abuse for the first time and of those, a fifth of the disclosures took place during December and January.
13 helplines open 24/7
According to CEO of the NSPCC, Peter Wanless: "The Christmas holidays can be one of the most difficult times of the year for children, and they often need somewhere to go to confide.
"It is vitally important they know that Childline is here for them throughout the holidays to provide free and confidential help and advice."
"Every minute, two children will contact us. No vital no call goes unanswered, particularly over Christmas when most services close leaving those children who are struggling isolated and scared.
“It is essential that Childline is here as a vital lifeline for those children and that they can get the help they need and deserve even on Christmas day", adds Founder of Childline, Dame Esther Rantzen.
In response, the charity is keeping 13 of its helpline open 24/7 in order to support children experiencing abuse.
Maria from Buckinghamshire
Maria from Buckinghamshire was supported by the charity during her childhood.
"I would call ChildLine and if I got through - be unable to speak. I would freeze. I would just listen to the counsellor talking very kindly and gently to me even though I couldn’t say a thing.
"Eventually, I could say a bit more to ChildLine. One day, I even told the counsellor what happened to me. It was so important to be believed.”
According to Maria, the festive period can be a hard time of year: "Over Christmas you have to pretend to be happy, the amount of times I had to smack a smile on my face. Having somebody to talk to is very helpful for that child or young person to process."
Now in her 50s, Maria has managed to move beyond her difficult start in life and now has a job she enjoys. She, in part, credits Childline for helping her get there.