Calls for the Prime Minister to spend a day on shift at Childline

At the end of Hits Radio's week looking at the work Childline does supporting some of the most vulnerable children in Greater Manchester, we are now calling on the Prime Minister to spend a day on shift with volunteers, to see the work that goes into manning the confidential advice line.

Last week, the Government failed to include Childline in its mental health funding plan, despite 22,000 people signing a petition calling for Downing Street's support, and an open letter from 130 MPs.

Gorton MP Afzal Khan was one of the Members of Parliament who backed the calls for financial support for the service:

"It does amazing work, and work that is very much needed, especially if you look around what is happening in society. I think we should encourage that and I'm very disappointed the Government has refused the help that they need, especially when so many people have signed a petition to back this. Perhaps the best thing they can do, is for the Prime Minister to spend a day with Childline."

He is now calling for the Prime Minister to visit one of the Childline bases and spend a day on shift with the volunteers, to understand the pressures they are facing day to day as they take hundreds of calls from children across the country.

"I've spent a day working with the police. It has certainly given me an insight into what life is like at the frontline, and I think if the Prime Minister did this, it could certainly change her mind.

"I think by spending her time at the front of any work which is happening in society, it really puts a different perspective for you. You can read about stuff, but nothing matches the real experience. That's why I spent a day with the police, because it gave me a better understanding of the work they're doing. If the Prime Minister spent the day with Childline, it will give her a much better insight into the work of Childline and will certainly change her mind.

"Having Childline actually gives people hope. It gives people a direction they can go, seek help and seek guidance. All these things are so important, when you look at generally in society, the one thing we know if that most young people are the most vulnerable. There's all sorts of different pressures there, so having a facility where they can turn to is so important and that's why I support this."

Childline have revealed to Hits Radio that, if funding dried up, the service would close within six months.

The majority of its cash comes from donations and fundraising, but bosses have said an extra £1 million per year for three years would enable Childline to recruit more volunteers, train and support the volunteers to ensure they are able to address the complexity of needs from contacts, and produce high quality support material for young people to improve their wellbeing and build their resilience.