Childline expecting surge in calls over Christmas
As Christmas approaches, the NSPCC is preparing for a surge in the number of children and young people contacting Childline.
Figures show that there has been a significant increase in the last two years in the number of youngsters reaching out for help and support on Christmas day and boxing day.
Worries about family relationships topped the list of concerns that children and young people spoke to Childline counsellors about on Christmas Day and Boxing Day last year.
The most common age group to contact Childline on Christmas Day and Boxing Day are 12-15 year olds.
A 14-year-old girl told Childline counsellors:
“I am fed up with my parents arguing. They shout and scream at each other all the time. It all seems to stem from their financial problems and my dad’s drinking. He drinks too much and I am so worried that he will come home really drunk from his work Christmas party tonight and make things worse at home. I am also worried about Christmas Day as my parents had a massive argument last night and they are not speaking today.”
And young person who contacted Childline said:
“I have not self-harmed for over a month but I find Christmas really hard and am finding it tough to keep myself safe. I have lost both my brother and grandmother and I really miss them at Christmas. Dad isn’t around as he left us a few years ago and Christmas just reminds me that they are all no longer in my life.”
Across the 12 Days of Christmas there was an overall increase of 5% in the number of counselling sessions handled by Childline over the last two years, with 8,660 children and young people reaching out for help, support and advice.
Nearly two thirds of the counselling sessions delivered were of a serious nature, meaning that counsellors classified the child or young person as being at serious risk, either from themselves or someone else.
Peter Wanless, Chief Executive at the NSPCC, said:
“Christmas Day and Boxing Day should be some of the happiest days of the year with families getting the chance to spend quality time together. Sadly, a growing number of children and young people face a different reality, with December 25th and 26th bringing them only stress, tension and misery.
“It is important for them to know that Childline does not close for Christmas, with our dedicated volunteers working day and night over the festive period to help any child or young person in need of advice or support, be it online or over the phone.”
For help and advice, contact childline on 0800 1111 or visit: https://www.childline.org.uk/