Urgent Recruitment Drive
A lack of volunteers at Manchester's Childline could leave vulnerable youngsters in desperate need of help.
An urgent recruitment drive's underway at Manchester's Childline to stop calls from youngsters 'in need' going un-answered.
More volunteers are needed to man the phones and respond to emails as demand for the service continues to soar.
The city’s ChildLine base, at Salford Quays, 14 Carolina Way, Salford M50 2ZY, are looking for 70 volunteers to come forward to support young people either by phone or via it’s online service. Volunteers are particular needed for afternoon and evening shifts, when young people have more freedom to contact ChildLine.
Volunteer Coordinator Lindsay Marston's been speaking to our Chief Reporter Michelle Livesey:
Children contact ChildLine about a wide range of issues including bullying, sexual and physical abuse and breakdowns in family relationships. Counselling volunteers offer free confidential advice and support to these children 24 hours a day, either over the phone, by email or via one-to-one chat. They help children, listen to the child and offer advice and support that is relevant to them. They also help children talk through their problems and encourage them to speak to someone they can trust.
No previous experience or qualifications are necessary as full training is provided.
ChildLine offers counselling volunteers initial training in counselling skills and identifying child protection concerns. After successful completion of the training, the team provides support during counselling, ongoing training and for experienced counsellors further opportunities to develop skills.
To attend the information meeting and to find out more about the volunteering opportunities, please visit www.nspcc.org.uk/volunteer or email: childlinemanchestervolunteer@nspcc.org.uk